Contract employees stage lunch-hour protest at KGH, seek regularisation

On Friday, contract employees from the Health Department staged a lunch-time protest at King George Hospital (KGH) in Visakhapatnam, seeking regularisation and various service-related benefits. Organized by the Andhra Pradesh Medical and Health Contract Employees J.A.C., Visakhapatnam District, the protest lasted from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Employees from diverse departments and cadres participated, donning black badges.

The JAC explained that the demonstration was scheduled during lunch breaks to avoid disrupting patient care. The group has called for the immediate regularisation of all contract employees who have been working for the department for years, until then demanding payment of the full salary, EPF benefits, leave for illness, health cards for family members, and the right to transfer or be transferred.

Additionally, they have requested an ex gratia payment of ₹50 lakh for the family of each contract employee who dies while on duty, and a job opportunity for a family member. The JAC has scheduled a further human chain protest at KGH from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. If the government fails to respond satisfactorily by September 7, the JAC may consider a duty boycott on September 8.