Mumbai: The indefinite strike launched by over 30,000 nurses across Maharashtra’s government hospitals from Friday is poised to escalate, with Class IV hospital staff including ward boys, sanitation workers, and clerks threatening to join the agitation in solidarity.
The striking nurses are demanding immediate recruitment to fill vacant posts and a complete rollback of contractual appointments. Although hospitals have managed to keep essential services running with the support of nursing students working in three shifts, pressure on the healthcare system continues to mount.
In a major show of support, the Maharashtra State Government Group-D Employees Federation has endorsed the nurses’ demands. Federation President Bhausaheb Pathan has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the state health minister, urging immediate intervention. He warned 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.
Sumitra Tote, General Secretary of the Maharashtra State Nurses Association, recalled that in 2022 the state government had issued a resolution to recruit nurses on a contractual basis. The decision sparked widespread opposition and led to a 10-day indefinite protest. Although the government had assured in writing that it would roll back the decision and initiate permanent recruitment, no concrete action has been taken since.
Tote also clarified that while nurses will not abandon their responsibilities during any major public health emergency, they will offer services in civilian clothes and not report for official duty.
Nurses emphasized that despite their relentless efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic sacrificing festivals, family life, and personal well-being their contributions remain undervalued. The association also highlighted that nursing educators, who play a critical role in training frontline workers, continue to be among the most neglected in terms of pay and recognition.
According to Tote, no one from state government approached on day one of their indefinite strike on Friday.
