Healthcare services in Haryana resumed as government doctors ended their four-day strike after assurances on Ayushman incentives and service issues.

Healthcare services at government hospitals in Haryana returned to normal on Friday as physicians resumed their duties following the conclusion of the four-day strike on .

The strike that had interrupted healthcare services in government hospitals throughout the state was suspended following the state’s formal assurance to the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) that their demands would be addressed.

The meeting between the HCMSA action committee and State Health Minister Arti Singh Rao, along with senior health officials, extended for over two hours in Chandigarh.

Association treasurer Dr. Deepak Goyal stated: “Doctors have resumed their duties following the consensus reached during the meeting.”

The health department will introduce an Ayushman Bharat incentive for physicians as a replacement for the revised assured career progression (ACP) scheme. Following the meeting, Director General of Health Services Manish Bansal stated that the ACP could not be implemented and that a committee would be established to oversee the Ayushman initiative instead.

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The ACP was the primary issue that initially resulted in a two-day work suspension on Monday and Tuesday. The strike was prolonged indefinitely due to the absence of any invitation for a meeting. Instead, the government enacted the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) and directed the suspension of salaries throughout the duration of the strike.

HCMSA President Dr. Rajesh Khyalia stated, “The Ayushman incentive scheme will be proposed by a committee that will review the schemes of other state governments and the guidelines issued by the National Health Authority in a similar format.” The council shall consist of one member from the doctors’ association and shall submit its proposal within one month for implementation.

The government has consented to temporarily suspend the direct recruitment of senior medical officers (SMOs) and will review the service regulations of other states prior to reaching a final decision regarding amendments.

HCMSA General Secretary Dr. Anil Yadav stated that concerns were also expressed regarding the posting of newly appointed medical officers in district hospitals, which could potentially delay their eligibility for ACP. It was agreed that no medical officer would be denied the initial ACP benefits on account of being posted in an urban facility, provided that the government itself did not assign them to rural areas, he added.

The duration of absence due to the strike shall be regarded as leave.