The indefinite strike by contract employees in the Health and Medical Department, organised by the Andhra Pradesh Medical and Health Contract Employees Joint Action Committee (JAC), entered its second day on Wednesday.

Political representatives, employees’ organisations and trade union leaders visited the protest camp and expressed support for the employees’ demands, JAC representatives said. MLC Kumbha Ravibabu called for immediate regularisation of all contract employees, payment of 100% gross salary until regularisation and ₹50 lakh ex gratia for the families of employees who died while on duty.

CITU State secretary P. Mani and district secretary R.K.S.V. Kumar demanded regularisation and support for employees’ families.

The Andhra Pradesh Lab Technicians Association said it would join the strike if the demands were not addressed. The JAC said representatives of nursing associations and AP HAMSA had also expressed support for the agitation.