September 25th 2024.
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Nursing Employees' Association has announced a two-day ceasework protest starting from Wednesday. This decision comes as a result of their demands being ignored and not taken into consideration. In response, the Director of Nursing has urged all heads of state-run healthcare facilities to take action against the nursing officers, as the Odisha Essential Services Act of 1988 is still in effect. In a letter issued by Director of Nursing, Artabandhu Nayak, it stated, "In the interest of the public, the state government prohibits strikes by nurses, paramedics, technicians, and other Class III and Class IV employees, as per the power granted by Section 3 and Section 2 of ESMA. This order will remain in effect for six months from the date of issuance."
In previous correspondence addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on September 18, the ONEA had mentioned an indefinite ceasework call by all nursing officers in government hospitals from September 27. The plan is to cease non-emergency services on September 25 and 26, followed by a complete halt of both emergency and non-emergency services from September 27 for an indefinite period. The association has put forth several demands, including the promotion of eligible nursing officers to the position of senior nursing officer and assistant nursing superintendent by relaxing the residency period, recruitment of community health officers under the National Health Mission, and regularisation of contractual nursing officers who were previously left out.
The state government had recently enforced ESMA after the ONEA announced a cease work on August 27, in solidarity with the nationwide protests by health professionals over the tragic rape and murder of a medico at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The order was issued in an effort to prevent any further disruptions in the healthcare services. The government has also stated that they are open to discussions and negotiations with the ONEA to address their concerns and find a resolution.
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