Nurses to continue strike in Thiruvananthapuram

Nurses in Thiruvananthapuram continue their strike for higher pay and better working conditions, demanding government action on wage issues.

Hundreds of nurses employed in the private health sector went on strike on Wednesday demanding higher pay, improved staffing levels to reduce workload, a better patient-caregiver ratio, and an end to alleged arbitrary lay-offs, chiefly of those involved in union activities.

The United Nurses Association (UNA), which has called the strike, represents the majority of nurses working in as many as 490 private hospitals, including clinics, in the State.

The nurses have demanded a basic monthly pay of ₹40,000. The UNA has accused the government of turning a blind eye to the plight of nurses who “work long hours for less than the minimum wage.” It noted that most private hospitals were chronically understaffed, leading to increased workloads and inferior patient care.

The UNA accused the government of being hand in glove with “labour exploiters” in private health-care. The association said wages had stagnated since 2019. The government had remained silent and put no pressure on private hospitals to revise wages despite High Court orders.

The nurses have decided to continue their strike at respective district headquarters from Thursday.

A UNA spokesperson said only one-third of the total nurses would be made available for duty in hospitals to run the ICUs and emergency wing.