September 24th 2024.
In Bhubaneswar, the nursing staff of state-run hospitals and healthcare centres have announced a planned two-day protest beginning on Wednesday. This comes as a result of their 10-point demand, which includes the desire for regularisation of contractual workers and the elimination of outsourcing.
According to Suchismita Dash, the president of the Odisha Nursing Employees' Association, they have brought their concerns to the attention of the state government numerous times, but unfortunately, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears. "As a result, we have come to the decision to hold a protest on Wednesday, while ensuring that emergency medical services are not disrupted," she stated.
If their demands are not met, Dash informed that the association will escalate their protest by engaging in a cease work action on September 27. In response to this, Artabandhu Nayak, the Director of Nursing, has instructed the heads of all state-run healthcare facilities to take necessary action against any nursing staff who participate in the cease work as it would be a violation of the Odisha Emergency Services Act of 1988.
Nayak further emphasized that the Odisha government had already imposed the Emergency Services Act for a duration of six months on August 6. Therefore, if the nurses choose to go on strike during this period, appropriate measures will be taken against them. He also mentioned that the government is currently in discussions regarding the demands put forth by the nursing staff.
In response to this, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling has invited the association to meet with him on Wednesday for a discussion. The minister stated that he is willing to engage in a dialogue to address the concerns of the nursing staff and find a resolution. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure the smooth functioning of healthcare services in the state.
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