After 31 days of statewide protests, the National Health Mission (NHM) employees in Chhattisgarh have announced the end of their strike following a breakthrough meeting with Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal late on Friday night.

The resolution comes after weeks of negotiations amid growing public concern over disruptions to essential health services.

Over 16,000 NHM employees and officers had participated in the strike, demanding better working conditions, fair compensation, and policy reforms.

In a major development, the Chhattisgarh government accepted four key demands of the employees: a 5% salary hike effective from July 2023, 30 days of paid leave annually, transparency in annual performance evaluations, and cashless medical insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh.

These concessions address long-standing grievances of NHM staff, many of whom have been working on contractual terms with limited benefits.

To tackle the remaining demands, the government has announced the formation of a dedicated committee to examine issues related to grade pay determination, compassionate appointments, and transfer policies. The panel is expected to submit its recommendations within three months.

Health Minister Jaiswal, who personally met with representatives of the striking employees, praised their decision to return to work and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving all pending concerns.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed the end of the strike, reiterating that every employee is part of the state’s extended family and that legitimate demands will be addressed with sensitivity and respect.

“Public health is our top priority,” the Chief Minister wrote on X. “I am confident that through the collective efforts of the government and employees, the people of Chhattisgarh will have access to excellent health services. Together, we will lead the state towards a healthier and brighter future.”

The strike’s conclusion brings relief to thousands of patients and families affected by the disruption in services. With NHM staff returning to duty, health facilities across the state are expected to resume normal operations, restoring critical care and outreach programs that serve some of the most vulnerable communities in Chhattisgarh.