The indefinite strike by Gujarat&rsquo;s health department employees entered its tenth day on Wednesday, despite the government invoking the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) and issuing termination notices. The striking health workers remain defiant, vowing to intensify their agitation if their demands are not met.
Amid the standoff, the state government has dismissed approximately 1,100 employees across eight districts, while initiating departmental inquiries against 4,000 others. More than 10,000 employees have been served show cause notices.
Adding to the tension, the Sabarkantha district panchayat dismissed Health Employees Union General Secretary Ashish Barot under ESMA provisions. His removal has triggered widespread resentment among the protesting workers.
The strike has severely impacted healthcare services across the state, with patients facing long delays for treatment in hospitals. Despite government warnings, many employees continue to boycott work, though some have resumed duty following the health department&rsquo;s ultimatum.
Union leaders have warned that if the government does not initiate talks within the next two days, they will escalate their agitation across Gujarat.
The protest began on March 5 with demonstrations at Satyagraha Camp. Employees boycotted online and offline operations from March 7 and launched their indefinite strike on March 17. Their demands include the removal of salary discrepancies, the cancellation of departmental exams, and the implementation of technical grade pay.
With both sides refusing to back down, the coming days will be critical in determining whether a resolution can be reached or if the confrontation will escalate further.

The protest began on March 5, and the strike, on March 17

Govt cracks down as health strike enters 10th day; 4,000 face probe, union threatens escalation

Gujarat Dismisses 1,100 Health Workers Amid Strike

Govt cracks down as health strike enters 10th day; 4,000 face probe, union threatens escalation

March 26, 2025 | 13:10 IST