Grievance Against NHM Uttar Pradesh: The Betrayal of COVID Warriors

NHM Uttar Pradesh is currently facing significant resentment from its COVID Warriors, the dedicated health workers who have tirelessly fought against the pandemic.
These brave individuals, who have selflessly committed their time and energy to ensure the safety and health of the population, are expressing their concerns over a lack of adequate support and recognition for their efforts.
Despite putting themselves at risk every day, many feel that their sacrifices have gone unnoticed, leading to growing frustration and a sense of betrayal among those who vowed to protect and serve the community during these unprecedented times.

Grievance Registration Number: PMOPG/E/2025/0009881
Complainant: Yogi M. P. Singh
Date of Receipt: 22 January 2025
Received By: Prime Minister’s Office
Current Status: Under Process

Introduction

Recent changes have been observed in the National Health Mission (NHM), Uttar Pradesh. This occurs in a country that proudly hailed its frontline workers as COVID warriors, celebrating their relentless dedication and sacrifices during the pandemic.
However, these recent developments are raising serious concerns among healthcare professionals and the public alike. The shifting dynamics within the NHM point to potential gaps in healthcare delivery and resource allocation, which could undermine the progress made in managing public health.
These concerns are increasingly worrisome, as they could have far-reaching implications for the healthcare system, particularly in vulnerable communities that rely heavily on the services provided by NHM.
The need for urgent attention and strategic interventions is paramount to address these challenges and ensure that the healthcare workers continue to receive the support they need.

Background of the Issue

To begin with, the NHM issued a notification (Ref. No. 642/SPMU/NHM/HR/Appt./2024-25/6871 dated 17.01.2025) in continuation of an earlier advertisement from November 2022.
Shockingly, 50% of the sanctioned vacancies remain unfilled, allegedly due to arbitrariness and tyranny in the recruitment process, which raises significant concerns about the underlying integrity of the system responsible for hiring.
This not only reflects poor administrative planning but also mocks the spirit of justice and fairness, as numerous qualified candidates are left in limbo, while the existing workforce struggles under increased pressure due to the lack of adequate staffing.
The prevailing situation suggests a critical need for reform in recruitment policies to ensure that opportunities are distributed equitably, ultimately restoring faith in the process and allowing for the development of a more efficient and representative workforce within the organization.

The Numbers That Speak Volumes

According to official data:

• Total sanctioned posts for Lab Technicians: 3032
• Currently working Lab Technicians: 2198
• Vacant posts: 834

These figures highlight a significant gap in staffing, which poses a serious challenge to the efficiency of healthcare delivery. This directly impacts the provision and accessibility of primary healthcare services at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (PHCs) across the state, leading to longer wait times for patients, reduced quality of care, and increased pressure on existing healthcare professionals. As a result, communities may not receive the comprehensive care they need to maintain their overall well-being, ultimately affecting public health outcomes and contributing to a growing burden on the healthcare system.

The Controversial Directive

Furthermore, a circular dated 27.08.2024 from the Principal Secretary, Medical Health and Family Welfare, directed that: all healthcare facilities within the region must ensure the implementation of enhanced safety protocols, conduct regular training sessions for staff on emergency procedures, and prioritize the distribution of essential medical supplies to underserved areas. This initiative seeks to improve overall patient care and respond more effectively to medical emergencies that may arise, particularly in response to recent health crises experienced across the state.

• Vacant Lab Technician posts should be filled via outsourced agencies.
• Only those who worked during the COVID pandemic should be retained. They should receive the honorarium that was paid during the pandemic.

This directive effectively demotes contractual staff to outsourced status, stripping them of any claim to government employment or benefits.
In essence, those who risked their lives during the pandemic are now being pushed into precarious employment under private agencies, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and uncertainty.
This shift not only undermines the critical contributions of these individuals during a time of crisis but also raises concerns about the long-term implications for labor rights and job security.
Many of these workers are now forced to navigate a complex maze of temporary contracts, limited protections, and the constant threat of unemployment, further destabilizing their livelihoods and families during an already challenging period.

The Ethical Dilemma

This move raises a fundamental question:
If the protectors become predators, who will safeguard the rights of the vulnerable?

The complainant rightly points out that COVID warriors were once celebrated by the Prime Minister himself, receiving applause and gratitude from a nation that relied on their bravery and selflessness.
Now, they are being treated as expendable, cast aside as if their sacrifices during the pandemic were mere obligations rather than acts of heroism.
This betrayal not only violates their rights but also sets a dangerous precedent for future public health crises, suggesting that those who put their lives on the line for the greater good can easily be forgotten and disrespected.
Such actions can foster a culture of distrust and disillusionment among healthcare professionals, potentially dissuading future generations from entering this vital field, and jeopardizing the very foundation of our healthcare system when most needed.

Call for Transparency and Justice

In light of these developments, the complainant has requested:

1. A certified copy of the government order dated 13 September 2022.
2. Clarification on whether this order applies retrospectively to tenders issued between 2020 and 2022.
3. Guidelines that justify the retrospective application of such orders.

These demands are not just procedural—they are a plea for justice and administrative accountability.

Conclusion

To conclude, the grievance against NHM Uttar Pradesh serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of job security in the public sector. It highlights how easily dedicated public servants can be discarded once their utility is deemed over, leaving them and their families in precarious situations.
The government must act swiftly to rectify this injustice, ensuring that no healthcare worker is left without support during turbulent times. It should also implement policies that ensure fair employment practices, fostering a work environment where employees are valued and their contributions recognized.
Additionally, it must honor the sacrifices made by healthcare workers during the pandemic; these individuals risked their lives and well-being for the greater good and deserve both recognition and adequate protection in their careers moving forward.

Let us not forget:
Democracy thrives not just on laws; it also thrives on the dignity we afford to those who serve it. This dignity manifests in the respect we show to public servants, the commitment we make to uphold justice, and the empathy we extend to our fellow citizens.
When we recognize that democracy is not merely a system of governance but a collective responsibility, we cultivate an environment where every voice matters and every action contributes to the common good. Only through a shared sense of purpose and respect can we truly nourish the roots of our democratic ideals.

I can provide you with the official website and contact email/phone for the National Health Mission (NHM), Uttar Pradesh, based on the publicly available information.

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🌐 NHM Uttar Pradesh – Web & Core Contact Details

1. Official Website

• Uttar Pradesh National Health Mission:
  • Link: https://upnrhm.gov.in/

2. General/Mission Director Contact

This email and address are generally for the State Programme Management Unit (SPMU) and the Mission Director.

• Email ID: mdupnrhm@gmail.com
• Address: National Health Mission, State Programme Management Unit, 16, A.P. Sen Road, Charbagh, Lucknow-226001.

3. NHM Helpline (Toll-Free)

• Helpline Number: 1800-180-1900

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👤 Executive Details (Mission Director)

The highest executive role at the state level for NHM is the Mission Director.

Designation	Name (as of the latest available data)
Mission Director (NHM, U.P.)	Dr. Pinky Jowel, I.A.S.
Additional Chief Secretary, Medical Health & Family Welfare, U.P.	Shri Partha Sarathi Sen Sharma
Principal Secretary, Medical Health & Family Welfare, U.P.	Shri Amit Kumar Ghosh, I.A.S.

Note on Phone Numbers:

While general office numbers (like the one for the Principal Secretary: 0522-2239306 or the main office: 0522-2237595, 2237383) are often listed on official directories, direct executive mobile numbers for current serving IAS officers are typically not published on public websites for security and privacy reasons.

If you have a specific query (e.g., regarding recruitment, a particular program, or a complaint), using the official Helpline (1800-180-1900) or the official Mission Director’s Email (mdupnrhm@gmail.com) is the recommended procedure.