Overview Government doctors in Haryana intensified their protest on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 , by extending their strike for an indefinite period. This action was taken in response to the non-fulfilment of their demands, notably the implementation of the modified assured career progression scheme. The strike, initially a two-day event from December 8 to 9 , has now escalated into an indefinite cessation of work. Key Developments Government Response Amid the ongoing standoff, the Haryana government invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) on Tuesday evening, December 9 . This action prohibits any strike by government doctors. The state health department has also ordered the deduction of salaries for the days the doctors are absent due to the protest, signaling a firm stance against the strike. Initiation and Demands The strike was initiated following a call from the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) , the representative body for government doctors in the state. Dr. Rajesh Khyalia , president of the HCMSA , stated that the government had promised a year prior to fulfil their demands. These demands include halting direct recruitment of senior medical officers and implementing a modified assured career progression scheme. Impact on Healthcare Services The strike has affected healthcare services, including essential diagnostic services such as ultrasound and CT scans, at many hospitals across Haryana. This disruption poses a challenge to patient care and access to timely medical assistance. Doctors' Perspective Dr. Khyalia emphasized the doctors' readiness for dialogue but noted the absence of any invitation from the government for talks. He highlighted the lack of promotions for doctors and questioned the government's reluctance to implement its promises. Furthermore, he mentioned that three doctors in Panchkula are observing a fast unto death until their demands are met, indicating the seriousness of the situation. Government Measures to Mitigate Impact In response to the strike, state health authorities have deployed doctors from various sources, including the National Health Mission , medical colleges, ESIC , consultants, and Ayush practitioners. These measures aim to ensure the continuation of healthcare services without significant disruption. Regional Impact While the strike has had an impact in some areas, Ambala and Kurukshetra have reported minimal disruption to healthcare services. In Ambala , Civil Surgeon Dr. Rakesh Sahal reported that all 168 enrolled doctors were present on Wednesday , and all departments were functioning normally. Similarly, in Kurukshetra , Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sukhbir Singh Mehla stated that all doctors reported for duty on Wednesday , ensuring smooth functioning of medical services. UPSC Relevance This news article is relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Exam , particularly under GS Paper II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations) and GS Paper III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) . It touches upon issues related to government policies, healthcare, and social justice. The invocation of ESMA is a key aspect relevant to understanding government powers and limitations in managing essential services. Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants ESMA: Understand the provisions and implications of the Essential Services Maintenance Act. Healthcare Strikes: Analyze the causes and consequences of strikes by healthcare professionals. Government Policies: Evaluate the effectiveness of government policies related to career progression and employee welfare. Role of Associations: Understand the role of professional associations in advocating for the rights of their members.