Indefinite strike by nurses in Maharashtra

 

Report of Correspondent of Kamgar Ekta Committee (KEC)

Around 30,000 nurses in government hospitals across Maharashtra have launched an indefinite strike starting on 17 July. They are demanding that the practice of hiring nurses on temporary contracts be halted, and their allowances increased. They are demanding that vacant posts in government hospitals be immediately filled, so that their workload is reduced.

This strike is a part of a state-wide protest held by the 47 branches of the Maharashtra State Nursing Association (MSNA). It is in response to the decision of the Medical Education department on 6 June, to hire nurses on a contractual basis.

In spite of efforts by hospital administrations to maintain services through trainee and senior nurses, the strike has had a major impact. Only essential services are continuing while patients with scheduled surgical operations are having to be sent back.

In a major show of support, the Maharashtra State Government Group-D Employees Federation has endorsed the nurses’ demands. It has written to the Chief Minister and the state health minister, urging immediate intervention. The letter states that if the government fails to act, more than 10,000 clerical and support staff from the public health and medical education departments will also join the strike.

In 2022, when the state government had announced its decision to recruit nurses on a contractual basis, there was widespread opposition from nurses and a 10-day protest. The Maharashtra government had assured in writing that it would roll back the decision and initiate permanent recruitment. However, no concrete action has been taken since then to fulfil those promises. The striking nurses have declared their intention to persist with their protest action until their demands are met.

THe Nurses Association has highlighted their relentless efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, sacrificing their personal interests. Yet their contributions remain undervalued.

Kamgar Ekta Committee calls on all sections of the people of Maharshtra to extend wholehearted support to the struggle of the nurses for their entirely legitimate demands!

 

 

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