Punjab Healthcare Workers Initiate Indefinite Strike for Job Security and Benefits

In Punjab, healthcare workers including doctors and clinical assistants have launched an indefinite strike to demand permanent employment and better working conditions. Despite the establishment of over 1,000 Aam Aadmi Clinics providing free healthcare, these workers claim their demands have been ignored by the state government. They are advocating for the abolition of the contract system, regularization of their positions, and additional benefits such as patient incentives and leave allowances. The protests have led to a halt in services across the state, raising concerns about healthcare accessibility.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 27, 2026, 17:41 IST

Healthcare Workers in Punjab Demand Job Security

Hoshiarpur, July 27 - Doctors, pharmacists, and clinical assistants working at the Aam Aadmi Clinics in Punjab have commenced an indefinite strike starting Monday, advocating for various demands including permanent employment. As part of their protest, employees halted services across the state and organized demonstrations. The protests were led by the Aam Aadmi Clinic Joint Front at multiple locations throughout Punjab.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has established over 1,000 Aam Aadmi Clinics in the state, providing free medical treatment and health check-ups. In Hoshiarpur, demonstrators, led by Medical Officer Dr. Gurshan and Clinical Assistant Gurpreet Kaur, staged a sit-in outside the Civil Surgeon’s office. Protesters claim that despite several meetings with the state government and health department, and repeated submissions of memorandums, no concrete actions have been taken to address their concerns.

Employees reported that they have submitted memorandums multiple times to civil surgeons across all 23 districts, the Director of Health Services, and Health Minister Balbir Singh, yet no notifications have been issued to resolve their issues. They allege that they are employed under a contract system, which subjects them to treatment akin to daily wage workers. They receive payment only for the days they work, with no compensation for Sundays or national holidays.

Moreover, they lack the right to any casual or medical leave. They assert that any leave taken results in salary deductions, and employees are required to return to work within three days, or risk termination of their services. The Joint Front's primary demand is the abolition of the contract system and the regularization of all employees at the Aam Aadmi Clinics under the Punjab Health Services Directorate (DHS).

Additionally, the workers have presented several other demands to the government, including patient-based incentive payments, leave benefits, and various allowances.