Mumbai: Healthcare services in state-run hospitals are set to face significant challenges as around 30,000 nurses will launch an indefinite strike starting July 18. The nurses had staged a one-day token strike on July 17, demanding immediate recruitment for vacant posts, an end to contractual hiring, and equal implementation of 7th Pay Commission benefits for all nursing staff. However, they did not receive any concrete response from the state government following the strike.
According to the Maharashtra State Nurses Association, around 30,000 nurses boycotted work on Thursday as their long-pending demands remain unmet. Over 5,000 nurses from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) also joined the protest.
Sumitra Tote, General Secretary of the association, said that several public representatives visited them at Azad Maidan and assured them they would facilitate a meeting with the state government. However, as of 5 pm, there was no communication from the government. “We have decided to continue the strike indefinitely from July 18 onward,” said Tote.
Earlier, on Wednesday, a meeting was held with Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif, but no resolution was reached. The association reiterated its demands for immediate recruitment to vacant posts, an end to contractual hiring, and equal implementation of 7th Pay Commission benefits for all nursing staff.
The government recently opened 10 new medical colleges without appointing any nursing staff, worsening the shortage in existing hospitals, where nearly 50% of nursing posts remain vacant.
“To cover the shortfall, the government is appointing nurses on contract, which we oppose,” said Tote. “Staff nurses, ward in-charges, and nursing educators have been excluded from the 7th Pay Commission benefits — this is unacceptable.”
According to Tote, the 8th Pay Commission will be announced next year while issues with the 7th Pay Commission remain unresolved. “There are different salary structures for the same post. Even under the 8th Pay Commission, many workers will get a lower increment,” Tote said, adding that instead of relying on contract hiring, the government should recruit permanent staff to address the recurring shortages in hospitals.
Meanwhile, to minimise disruption, hospitals have deployed nursing students during the strike. However, the union warned that if the government fails to act, healthcare services across the state will come to a standstill.
