Bhubaneswar: The protest launched by members of All Odisha Swasthya Mitra Association over retrenchment at Lower PMG here entered its third day on Wednesday. Hundreds of workers sat on the PMG Road under scorching heat, demanding the withdrawal of the termination order issued to 993 Swasthya Mitras effective from June 30.
Meanwhile, seven protesters suffered sunstroke while demonstrating and were immediately shifted to Capital Hospital. Doctors admitted them for treatment, and their condition remains stable.
The protesters raised slogans and staged symbolic demonstrations, lying on the road and banging their heads on the ground to express their anguish. Some entered dustbins to symbolise neglect, saying they were treated like disposable workers after years of service. Others held plates, begging for job security in a symbolic protest.
Swasthya Mitras have been serving patients for eight years in government and private hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat–Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana. They manage help desks, e-KYC, Aadhaar linking, patient assistance, and even arrange blood donations when needed.
Association president Ritanjali Behera said the protest aims to secure permanent employment, end outsourcing, and ensure direct recruitment under the State Health Assurance Society (SHAS).
Association secretary Manas Kumar Lenka stated that the agitation will continue until their demands are met.
KEY DEMANDS:
- Immediate withdrawal of all retrenchment notices
- Permanent appointment in the health department
- Formal recognition of their role and dignified working conditions
- Job security and other service benefits
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