TNI Bureau: OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das on Monday met protesting Swasthya Mitras at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar and expressed solidarity with their demands, stating that it would be unjust to deprive them of their livelihoods after years of dedicated service to the healthcare system. He urged the government to ensure their job security and provide justice to the affected employees.

Around 993 Swasthya Mitras working under the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) staged a protest over alleged termination notices issued to them despite earlier assurances regarding the continuation of their employment.

The protesters said they have been providing healthcare services in over 700 empanelled private hospitals across Odisha since 2019. They are currently engaged under the State Health Assurance Society Odisha (SHAS) through an outsourcing agency.

According to the employees, nearly 993 Swasthya Mitras, including around 100 senior staff members and about 70 per cent women, are likely to be affected by the proposed retrenchment.