NPA Dispute: Himachal Doctors Adjust Strike Hours, Await Chief Minister’s Meeting

Highlighters

• Decision made to strike till 10:15 am instead of 11 am
•  Meeting with Chief Minister arranged for June 3
• Closure of Non-Practice Allowance prompts doctors’ anger
•  Pen down strike affects hospitals across the state

thenewscaffee.com, May 31, 2023

Shimla: In response to the ongoing pen down strike by doctors in Himachal Pradesh, a decision has been made to modify the strike timings. Initially, doctors were striking from 9:30 am to 11 am, but now they will go on strike until 10:15 am only. The decision came after a meeting with Industries Minister Harsh Vardhan Chouhan, instructed by Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu. The doctors were assured that a meeting with the Chief Minister would be arranged on June 3, where their demands will be sympathetically considered.

The doctors’ dissatisfaction stems from the discontinuation of Non-Practice Allowance (NPA) in Himachal Pradesh. Consequently, doctors have been on a pen down strike since the previous Monday, working with black badges after 11 am. This strike has caused difficulties for patients in hospitals across the state. However, starting today, doctors have resumed their duties in the Outpatient Department (OPD) at 10:15 am.

The Joint Action Committee of the Allopathic Doctor’s Association has issued notifications urging the early restoration of NPA and the withdrawal of assigned duties to principals, joint directors, and medical superintendents in medical colleges. Therefore, doctors are eagerly awaiting the meeting with the Chief Minister on June 3.

Previously, CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu expressed his disappointment with the strike, stating that doctors in the state who receive NPA should not be on strike.

Reason behind the NPA closure

Due to the financial crisis faced by the Sukhu government, a decision was made to discontinue NPA for future doctors posted in the health, medical education, dental, and animal husbandry departments. This decision has left doctors angered. However, current serving doctors will continue to receive NPA as before.

NPA constitutes 20% of salary

Doctors receive 20% of their basic salary as NPA, which serves to incentivize their medical services. NPA is granted in all states based on the Government of India’s recommendations. However, the Sukhu government has decided to discontinue it considering the state’s financial condition.