Health department employees from across Gujarat were detained by police and blocked by a three-layered security on Thursday as they attempted to protest near the Chief Minister’s office in Gandhinagar.

The healthcare workers, demanding improvements in their grade pay, inclusion of technical pay, and exemption from departmental exams, had planned to submit a memorandum to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

Police began detaining them in their respective districts before they could proceed towards Gandhinagar. At key points along major roads, police stopped them from heading to Gandhinagar. 

A heavy police presence, including personnel from the Gandhinagar Police and Gandhinagar Range, enforced security in Gandhinagar. A three-layered security check was set up at Gate Number 1 near the Secretariat, preventing any further movement towards the CM’s office.

The health employees union, which has been raising these demands for the past three years, expressed frustration over the lack of government response. Despite several attempts to engage with the government, no solution has been found, prompting today’s protest.

With the ongoing Gujarat Legislative Assembly session, authorities have put in place tight security arrangements to prevent any disruptions or protests near the Secretariat.