Chandigarh, 23 July:
In wake of the reports that staff working under National Health Mission Punjab is proceeding on strike, Punjab’s Health Minister Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu today appealed these employees not to go on strike or any mass casual leave.
The Health Minister said that the entire world is fighting against the crisis due to Pandemic COVID-19 and the health employees are on the forefront for the cause of mankind. In such a scenario, Punjab Government is also making untiring efforts to serve its people in this time of crisis. Already The Epidemic Diseases Act has been enforced and State Government is making all efforts to combat the menace.
Mr. Sidhu said that at this juncture the staff working under NHM should not even think of such a move as this would not only be anti mankind but also against their call of duty. He exhorted the health workers especially ANMs, Staff Nurses to keep serving the people of state in the manner they have been doing especially after the outbreak of COVID-19 Pandemic.
Mr. Sidhu said that we have to live up to expectations of the people of the Punjab as they look upon us at this hour of crisis. He further said that despite all odds, the Health Department recently gave NHM employees 6%+12% special COVID-19 increment about two months back. He said it is now the time to follow the spirit of Florence Nightingale and serve the people of the state.
The Health Minister urged the employees of department not to back out from their moral duty of being forefront COVID-19 warriors. He said as done in past the State Govt is always open to any genuine problems being faced by the staff and any one facing any problems can contact him directly.
Mr. Sidhu said that he is hopeful that the employees of National Health Mission Punjab, being the backbone of the Health Services will stand rock solid with the department and shun away any thought of going on strike.
