Should Haryana Health Minister Cancel All Leaves Amid Border Tensions?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Immediate cancellation of all health department leaves.
- Mandatory presence of health officials and employees.
- Control rooms activated for emergency monitoring.
- Public health services prioritized during crises.
- Disciplinary measures for non-compliance.
Chandigarh, May 11 (NationPress) The Haryana Health Minister, Arti Singh Rao, has issued an urgent directive to the Health Department, mandating heightened vigilance and the immediate cancellation of all leaves due to the escalating situation at the India-Pakistan border and the ongoing ceasefire violations by Pakistan.
Following the minister’s order, the Director General (Health Services) has instructed all civil surgeons and chief medical officers that all leave types—including earned leave, child care leave, extraordinary leave, and others—are to be revoked without delay.
Furthermore, it is explicitly stated that no officer or employee is permitted to leave the district headquarters or take leave. Those currently on leave are required to return to their respective district headquarters and resume their duties immediately.
Administrative disciplinary actions will be enforced against anyone who breaches these orders.
Minister Arti Singh emphasized, “Given the emergency conditions at the border, it is essential for the Health Department to operate in a state of full readiness. The presence of all officers and staff is critical to ensure health services remain uninterrupted in any unforeseen circumstances. Our commitment to serving the state's populace is the top priority, and we must work cohesively at this time.”
The government has also mandated that all hospitals and primary health centers at the district level ensure the availability of essential resources.
Control rooms have been activated to oversee the provision of emergency medications, blood storage, ambulance services, and the deployment of medical personnel.
The Health Minister reassured that the government is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to implement additional measures if necessary.