Nurses in Odisha stage protest across the state to demand fulfillment of their 10-point demands.

In Bhubaneswar, the nursing staff working at state-run hospitals and healthcare centres have taken a bold step by initiating a statewide agitation on Wednesday. Their 10-point charter of demands includes regularisation of contractual workers and abolishment of the outsourcing system. Suchismita Dash, the president of the Odisha Nursing Employees' Association, expressed that the group has continuously put forth their demands to the state government, but unfortunately, they have not received any response so far.

Dash also mentioned that the protest has been organized in a way that does not disrupt any emergency medical services. However, she did warn that if their demands are not met, they might have to resort to a 'cease-work' movement starting from September 27. In the meantime, the health secretary of the state, Aswathy S, held discussions with representatives from ONEA to address various concerns that are affecting the nursing officers.

While the health department has assured that they will consider the issues of the nursing staff sympathetically at the appropriate time, Dash expressed her dissatisfaction with the outcome of the meeting. She stated that the association would continue with their planned agitation. On the other hand, the government has urged the nursing staff to refrain from any further agitation, withdraw their strike, and return to work immediately.

Earlier, Artabandhu Nayak, the Director of Nursing, had instructed all the heads of state-run healthcare facilities to take action against the nursing staff involved in the 'cease-work' protest. This action was taken under the Odisha Emergency Services Act, 1988, which is currently in effect in the state. It is a crucial time for the state's healthcare system, and it is essential for all parties involved to come to a peaceful resolution. Both the government and the nursing staff need to find a common ground to address the pressing issues and ensure the smooth functioning of healthcare services in the state.

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