Healthcare services at the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Greater Noida, have been affected following a week long strike by nearly 700 contractual employees, who are demanding regularisation of their services and promotions without mandatory examinations.

The protesting staff, many of whom were recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen the healthcare workforce, say they are facing growing uncertainty regarding their future employment and career progression.

Employees have alleged that despite serving during one of the most challenging public health crises in recent history, many contractual workers continue to lack long term job security and clear pathways for advancement.

According to representatives of the protesting employees, the primary demands include regularisation of contractual positions, recognition of years of service and promotion opportunities based on experience rather than fresh recruitment examinations. The workers argue that their contributions during the pandemic and subsequent years have been critical to the functioning of the institution.

The ongoing strike has reportedly impacted several hospital operations, with administrative and support services experiencing disruptions. While emergency services and critical patient care continue to function through contingency arrangements, routine operations have faced challenges due to reduced staffing levels. Hospital authorities are monitoring the situation and working to ensure that essential healthcare services remain available to patients.

GIMS, one of western Uttar Pradesh’s key government healthcare institutions, serves a large patient population from Greater Noida and neighbouring districts. The institute has expanded significantly in recent years and played an important role during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing treatment, testing and critical care services.

The issue of contractual healthcare workers has emerged as a broader concern across several states, where thousands of healthcare personnel were recruited on temporary arrangements during the pandemic. Many of these workers have subsequently sought regular appointments, citing their experience and contributions to public health services.

Healthcare experts note that workforce stability remains an important component of healthcare delivery, particularly in government institutions that serve large patient populations. Human resource challenges, including staffing shortages and employment uncertainty, can have implications for service continuity and healthcare quality.

The protesting employees have stated that they will continue their agitation until their demands are addressed, while urging authorities to initiate dialogue and provide clarity regarding their employment status. Hospital officials and government representatives are expected to hold discussions aimed at resolving the issue and restoring normal operations.

The development highlights ongoing challenges related to healthcare workforce management and underscores the need for sustainable human resource policies to support public healthcare institutions and the professionals who serve within them.