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Big Blow: 5000 Contract Health Workers Lose Jobs, No Service Extension Granted
Amid orders to terminate the services of health workers hired during the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 5000 contract health workers find themselves unemployed as of July 1, 2024.
In a significant setback, around 5000 contract health workers, hired during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been left jobless as their service extensions have not been granted. This sudden decision has caused unrest among these workers, who were employed in various hospitals and testing centers. Starting July 1, 2024, these workers have been unemployed, with orders being issued by district chief medical officers to cease their services.
Background
During the pandemic, over 7000 health workers were appointed across different locations by the District Health Committee. About 2000 of these workers' services had already ended. Post-pandemic, around 5000 health workers continued to serve in hospitals and testing centers in various capacities. These workers received three-month service extensions from the National Health Mission, but no extensions were provided after June 30. Consequently, orders to terminate their services are being issued one after another, creating a stir among the health workers.
Appeal to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister
Satchidanand Mishra, the state general secretary of the United Health Outsourcing Contract Employees Union, has appealed to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak to save the health workers from unemployment. Mishra mentioned in his letter that the Deputy Chief Minister had assured that workers employed during the pandemic would be accommodated, but no orders have been issued in this regard yet. The authorities have been informed multiple times through proposal letters about the staff shortages in district hospitals. The workers were retained post-pandemic due to this shortage, and it is requested that their services continue uninterrupted, with budget arrangements made from other sources.