Around 250 doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, pharmacists and other healthcare workers engaged under the NGO-Public Private Partnership (PPP) model in Arunachal Pradesh have demanded the immediate release of their pending salaries, which they say have not been paid since March. The workers said prolonged salary delays have caused serious financial hardship, with similar instances in the past reportedly resulting in payments being withheld for several months and released only partially. Despite the uncertainty, they continue to provide essential healthcare services in remote and difficult areas, including emergency care, maternal and child health services, immunisation, disease screening and outpatient care. The workers stressed that regular salaries are essential for retaining trained professionals, particularly in areas affected by difficult terrain, poor connectivity and long travel distances. They called for a fixed monthly payment schedule and a mechanism to prevent future delays, saying sporadic release of arrears is not a sustainable solution. The healthcare workers clarified that they are not opposed to the PPP model but want it to function effectively for both patients and employees. They urged authorities to recognise the contribution of frontline staff and ensure timely payment for the services they provide to communities across the state.
