Mon Dec 29 14:09:15 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Healthcare Workers Demand Equal Pay, Permanent Positions in Chennai Protest
CHENNAI, December 29, 2025 – Mid-Level Healthcare Providers (MLHPs) in Tamil Nadu took to the streets of Chennai on Monday, demanding “equal pay for equal work” and permanent positions within the state’s healthcare system.
Under the banner of the Tamil Nadu Mid Level Healthcare Providers Union, the protesters voiced their concerns regarding compensation disparities and job security. They highlighted that despite being recruited in 2021 and undertaking a diverse range of responsibilities across Primary Health Centres, Health Sub Centres, and various state health programs like ‘Nalam Kaakkum Stalin’, their salaries remain significantly lower than their counterparts in other states.
“There are nearly 4,245 MLHPs in Tamil Nadu. We are engaged not only in ‘Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam’ works but also carry out works in Primary Health Centres and Health Sub Centres, take up jobs of Village Health Nurses in some places, and are involved in schemes and programmes,” explained one protesting MLHP. “We are working on a contractual basis, and are demanding permanent jobs.”
The MLHPs also called for the implementation of the ₹ 15,000 incentive offered by the Union government through the National Health Mission, a benefit currently available to MLHPs in numerous other states across India. They hope their protest will bring their demands to the attention of the State government and lead to a resolution addressing their concerns regarding fair compensation and stable employment.
First Piper 