ITANAGAR, Aug 18: More than 250 healthcare workers engaged under the NGO-PPP model of the National Health Mission (NHM) in Arunachal Pradesh have reportedly been awaiting their salaries for the past five months, with payments pending since March 2026.
The affected workers said the prolonged delay has caused considerable financial hardship, making it difficult for them to meet basic household and other financial commitments.
According to the workers, delayed salary payments have become a recurring issue, with similar instances reported in the past when salaries remained pending for seven to eight months at a stretch. They alleged that payments were subsequently released for only a few months, leaving substantial arrears uncleared.
The workers said the issue goes beyond their personal financial difficulties, as prolonged delays in salary payments could affect the sustainability of healthcare services, particularly in remote and difficult-to-reach areas of the State.
“A doctor posted at a remote health facility has to arrange accommodation, food, transportation and other expenses away from home. Nurses and other healthcare staff face similar financial responsibilities. When salaries are withheld for months, many are forced to depend on personal savings, borrow money or seek financial assistance from family and friends,” a staff member said.
The workers have urged the authorities to immediately release all pending salaries from March 2026 onwards and provide a clear timeline for clearing the remaining arrears.
They have also sought a permanent mechanism to ensure timely and regular monthly payment of salaries to NGO-PPP healthcare personnel under the NHM.