The indefinite strike by contract employees of the Health and Medical Department in Visakhapatnam entered its second day on October 7. The agitation is being organised by the Andhra Pradesh Medical and Health Contract Employees Joint Action Committee (JAC).

The protesting employees are seeking regularisation of their services and other measures concerning their employment conditions. The JAC has also sought payment of 100% of gross salary until regularisation.

MLC Kumbha Ravibabu visited the protest camp and called for the regularisation of contract employees. He also demanded ₹50 lakh ex gratia for the families of employees who died while on duty. India Live

Leaders of the CITU also expressed support for the agitation and backed the employees’ demand for regularisation and assistance to the families of deceased workers. The Andhra Pradesh Lab Technicians Association said it would join the strike if the demands were not addressed. India Live

The JAC said representatives of nursing associations and AP HAMSA had also extended their support to the ongoing protest.