NHM Employees in Ganderbal Demand Timely Salary Payments

Employees of the National Health Mission (NHM) in Ganderbal are currently experiencing significant financial strain due to unpaid salaries for the past two months, with the third month now underway. The situation has led these healthcare workers, including doctors and paramedics, to call on higher authorities, including the Health Minister, to resolve the issue and alleviate their hardships.

The delay in salary disbursement has left many employees struggling to meet basic financial obligations. One doctor expressed frustration, stating, “Despite working on meager wages compared to state government staff, we are not paid our salary on time. Our families are suffering. So much so we don’t even have cash for meeting travel expenses to our places of work.” This sentiment echoes across the district, where employees are increasingly vocal about their plight.

In response to the situation, official sources indicated that the Directorate of National Health Mission Jammu and Kashmir recently reached out to various heads of departments and drawing and disbursing officers. The communication was aimed at requesting the utilization of unspent balances for critical activities, including salaries, ASHA incentives, and other core health programs under the National Health Programme and Urban Health Mission.

Portal Issues Affecting Salary Disbursement

Dr. Bashir Ahmad, the Chief Medical Officer of Ganderbal, provided insight into the delays, attributing them to issues with the salary release portal. He assured that salaries would be disbursed within the next few days, aiming to resolve the ongoing financial distress faced by NHM employees.

The situation in Ganderbal reflects a wider concern about the timely payment of salaries for healthcare workers employed under centrally funded programs. As the community grapples with healthcare challenges, the financial stability of those on the front lines remains critical. With salaries pending and rising costs of living, the urgency for resolution cannot be understated.

Employees continue to await a response from authorities, hoping for swift action to ensure that their financial needs are met and that they can continue to serve their communities effectively.