Health Department cancels all staff leave amid border emergency

In response to heightened security concerns along the India-Pakistan border and ongoing ceasefire violations, Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao has directed the state Health Department to remain on high alert. As part of this directive, the Director General of Health Services, Haryana, has issued strict instructions to all civil surgeons and chief medical officers across the state.

According to the order, all types of leave for health officers and employees — whether Earned Leave (EL), Child Care Leave (CCL), Extraordinary Leave (EOL), or any other category — have been cancelled with immediate effect. Additionally, no officer or employee is permitted to leave their district headquarters or take leave during this period.

The order further mandates that those currently on leave must report back to their respective district headquarters immediately and resume duty. Non-compliance with these directives will invite departmental disciplinary action.

“In view of the emergency situation arising on the border, it has become necessary that the Health Department works on full alert mode,” said Health Minister Arti Singh Rao. “The presence of all officers and employees is mandatory so that health services are not disrupted in any unforeseen situation. Service to the people of the state is paramount, and at this time, the department needs to work in unity.”

The state government has also instructed hospitals and primary health centres to ensure adequate stock of emergency medicines, blood supplies, ambulances, and staff. Control rooms have been activated to monitor preparedness and coordinate the deployment of resources.

The Health Minister added that the government is closely monitoring the situation and will take additional measures if required. Citizens have been urged to avoid spreading rumours and contact local health centres for any medical needs.

“These instructions have been issued temporarily keeping in mind the security situation of the state,” Rao said. “They may be revised as per the circumstances. The priority of the department is to provide timely medical facilities to the people and any kind of negligence in this will not be tolerated.”

Haryana Tribune