Mumbai: Around 30,000 nurses in government hospitals across Maharashtra are on an indefinite strike due to neglect in the 7th Pay Commission and the prevalence of contractual appointments. By the third day of the strike, essential services are operational, but regular surgeries, over 2,000 conducted daily, have been postponed.
Nurses initially staged a sit-in at Azad Maidan, which was ignored by the state government, prompting the indefinite strike initiated on Thursday. Participation includes over 2,500 nurses in Mumbai alone, with significant numbers from various hospitals.
Despite efforts by hospital administrations to maintain services through trainee and senior nurses, the impact of the strike is evident, with only essential services continuing and patients with scheduled surgeries sent back.
The Dean of J.J. Hospital confirmed that regular surgeries are on hold as they prioritize essential care. Additionally, Class IV employees in hospitals, comprising ward boys, cleaners, and clerks, have expressed their support for the nurses' strike, signaling a potential escalation in the situation. These employees are prepared to join the strike if the nurses' demands remain unaddressed.
The president of the Class IV organization emphasized the urgency for the government to respond to the nurses’ demands. In response to the situation, some hospitals have begun issuing warnings to staff about attendance, stating potential suspensions for absence. However, nurses have declared their intention to persist with the strike until their demands are met, as emphasized by the President of the Maharashtra State Nurses Association, Manisha Shinde.
