Health Department Directs Hospitals to Ensure Uninterrupted Services During Electricity Employees’ Strike

Dr. Sumita Misra directs civil surgeons to ensure power backup, emergency services, ambulance availability and cold-chain maintenance from October 22 to 24

 Chandigarh, October 21 –

Haryana Additional Chief Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra, has directed all Civil Surgeons and Principal Medical Officers across the state to ensure uninterrupted functioning of health services and healthcare institutions in view of the three-day strike announced by electricity department employees from October 22 to 24, 2026.

 In view of the proposed strike, the Health Department has issued detailed instructions to ensure that patients do not face any inconvenience and that essential medical services, emergency care and critical healthcare operations continue without disruption.

 As per the directions issued all health institutions have been instructed to ensure adequate arrangements for generator sets during the strike period. Wherever necessary, generator sets must be hired immediately to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.

 The department has also directed that electricians be available round the clock, on a 24x7 basis, and remain stationed at their respective headquarters to address any electricity-related emergency without delay.

 To ensure effective coordination and prompt decision-making, every health institution must appoint a nodal officer. The name, designation and mobile number of the designated officer are to be communicated immediately to the office of the undersigned.

 Special emphasis has been laid on maintaining the cold chain, which is essential for the safe storage of vaccines and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies. Health institutions have been directed to keep generator sets ready to prevent any disruption in cold-chain maintenance.

 The instructions further require all institutions to remain prepared to handle emergencies and ensure the availability of ambulances at all times. Alternative arrangements must also be made in coordination with other health institutions so that emergency cases can be managed without interruption.

 The department has additionally directed that private hospitals be contacted to ensure coordination in case of any emergency and that they also make adequate arrangements for generator sets during the strike period.

 The instructions clarify that the User Money Fund may be utilised, if required, to meet the expenditure involved in making the necessary arrangements.

 The directions have been issued to all Civil Surgeons and Principal Medical Officers in Haryana to ensure that healthcare services remain fully functional throughout the proposed strike period from October 22 to 24, 2026.