Haryana doctors ended their strike late Thursday after the state government offered a new incentive plan. The Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) and the government reached an agreement following intense negotiations. Doctors returned to hospitals immediately after the talks.
The discussions lasted about five hours over two sessions, chaired by Health Minister Aarti Rao. Officials could not approve the Modified Assured Career Progression (ACP), but instead proposed financial incentives under the Ayushman scheme for surgeries and treatments. HCMSA representatives accepted this alternative to resume medical services.
A committee will now be set up to finalize the Ayushman incentive plan. It will include an HCMSA member and review incentive policies in other states and National Health Authority guidelines. The committee is expected to submit recommendations within a month.
The agreement also covered appointments of new medical officers in district hospitals and direct recruitment of SMOs. Absenteeism during the strike will be considered paid leave, provided doctors maintain uninterrupted services going forward.
Senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Sudhir Rajpal and Health Director Dr. Manish Bansal, attended the meeting along with HCMSA representatives Dr. Rajesh Khayalia and Dr. Anil Yadav. Written assurances from the Chief Minister ensured the strike ended without further disruption.
