Disparities in Work and Pay: The Struggle of Karnataka Health Workers

The Karnataka State Health and Family Welfare NHM Insourced Employees’ Union (KSHINEU) is gearing up for a state-wide agitation, demanding the regularization of their services by the government. This long-standing issue highlights the significant disparities in work conditions and pay that health workers face under the National Health Mission (NHM).

The Call for Regularization

Ashwath HK, president of KSHINEU, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that many NHM employees are nearing retirement without any benefits. Despite the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee’s promise in their election manifesto to regularize NHM employees’ services, no action has been taken so far. The lack of fulfillment of this promise has led to growing frustration among the employees.

Shauraj Sanganna, general secretary of KSHINEU, highlighted that around 28,000 people are working under the NHM in various government hospitals and primary health centers across Karnataka. He recalled how Congress leaders DK Shivakumar and Dinesh Gundu Rao had previously supported the NHM employees’ cause while in opposition. However, despite assurances after coming to power, the decision to regularize services has been delayed.

Disparities in Pay

One of the core issues driving the agitation is the stark pay disparity between NHM employees and regular state government employees. Sanganna pointed out the significant differences in salaries for the same roles:

Laboratory Technicians: An NHM technician earns Rs 20,000, while a regular state-employed technician earns around Rs 1 lakh.

Nurses: NHM nurses are paid Rs 16,000, compared to their regular counterparts who earn around Rs 1 lakh.

Doctors: NHM doctors receive Rs 45,000, whereas state-appointed doctors earn between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1.50 lakh.

These disparities make it difficult for NHM employees to support their families, despite performing the same work as their better-compensated counterparts.

The Road Ahead

The members of KSHINEU have set a deadline for the state government to act by August 15. If their demands are not met, they plan to organize protests at taluk offices and Deputy Commissioner Offices across the state. The agitation underscores the critical need for the government to address these disparities and honor its commitment to regularize the services of NHM employees.

Conclusion

The plight of NHM employees in Karnataka sheds light on broader issues of inequality and injustice in the workplace. Regularizing their services would not only provide these dedicated health workers with the financial security and benefits they deserve but also ensure that they can continue to serve the community effectively. As the August 15 deadline approaches, the government’s response will be crucial in determining the future of thousands of health workers in Karnataka.

To register for our next masterclass please click here https://linktr.ee/docpreneur

Melbourne, Australia
(Sat - Thursday)
(10am - 05 pm)