Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on November 13 issued a strong warning to employees of the National Health Mission (NHM), stating that the government would not tolerate any form of “blackmailing tactics” or disruption of public health services.
Addressing reporters, Sarma said, “Blackmailing by NHM will not be tolerated. The government is not afraid of blackmail. This is my clear warning to all NHM employees.” He expressed sharp disapproval over the boycott of health camps by NHM workers, calling their actions “unacceptable.”
“Our government only discusses matters after the protest. If the protest continues, that means the issue is bigger. But the way NHM workers refused to conduct health camps is unacceptable. They take salaries to serve patients, yet they chose to boycott camps meant for the people,” he remarked.
Sarma criticised the workers for neglecting their duties toward patients, particularly children with cerebral palsy, cancer patients, and persons with disabilities. “They must apologise for depriving the patients. Anyone who boycotts health camps is not eligible to work under NHM,” he asserted.
Reiterating his firm stance, the Chief Minister added, “If anyone thinks they can intimidate Himanta Biswa Sarma into doing their bidding, they are wrong. This government is not afraid of blackmail. Thousands of doctors and nurses are waiting for opportunities — even if we pay less, they are ready to join.”
Sarma’s remarks come amid ongoing protests by NHM employees across Assam, who have been demanding the resolution of long-pending service-related grievances.
