Hyderabad: Aarogya Mitra launch indefinite boycott of duties

The primary demand of Aarogya Mitras from the State government is shifting them to Data Processing Officer (DPO) cadre and implementing monthly salary of Rs 22,750.

Hyderabad: Nearly 1000 Aarogya Mitras, who are the primary contact of Aarogyasri beneficiaries in empanelled hospitals, launched an indefinite boycott of duties demanding redressal of their grievances on Wednesday.

Under the umbrella of Telangana United Medical and Health Employees Union, they boycotted duties that involved providing assistance to patients including collecting and uploading documents for pre-authorization and claim requests, coordinating with hospitals to ensure patients are admitted and have access to beds and even follow-up with patients who have been discharged.

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The primary demand of Aarogya Mitras from the State government is shifting them to Data Processing Officer (DPO) cadre and implementing monthly salary of Rs 22,750. The members are also demanding removal of outsourcing agencies and direct payment of their salaries through Aarogyasri Health Trust and hike their salaries to Rs 35,000 in the upcoming PRC.

Since past two months, the Aarogya Mitras said they have personally met Health Minister, Finance Minister and other senior health officials and presented their demands. “All our demands are genuine and deserving. The outsourcing agencies take away a large chunk of the salaries of Aarogya Mitras. We had served notices to strike on August 6 and ample time of nearly one month was available to address our issues,” says president of Telangana United Medical and Health Employees Union, Bhupal.