Two nurses jump from hospital roof in Patiala

Tribune News Service
Patiala, February 28

Two contractual nurses jumped from the roof of Government Rajindra Hospital this evening, sustaining serious injuries. They had been protesting atop the building for the past 23 days. Sources said one of them was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

They added that Majnu, a Class IV employee, also fractured his leg as one of the nurses fell on him. The police and officials from the district administration reached the spot to take stock of the situation.

The women have been identified as Karamjit Kaur Aulakh (37), president, Punjab Contractual and Ancillary Staff Union, and Baljit Kaur Khalsa (35). Karamjit had jumped into the Bhakhra canal over the same issue in 2016.

They had climbed atop the hospital building on February 7, demanding the regularisation of their services.

While the extent of the injuries is yet to be confirmed, Jasmeet Kaur, one of the contractual nurses, said their condition was serious. She said, “We were assured of a meeting with the Chief Minister in Chandigarh today. Instead, our six representatives met Health and Family Welfare Minister Brahm Mohindra. The meeting remained inconclusive as the minister gave only verbal assurances.”

Sukhpal Singh Khaira, leader of the Punjab Ekta Party, condemned the state government over the issue. He said, “The government has turned a blind eye towards the legitimate demands of the nurses, forcing them to jump from the roof of the hospital. The Chief Minister has failed to prevent such an incident in his hometown.”

Kumar Amit, Deputy Commissioner (DC), and Mandeep Singh Sidhu, SSP, reached the spot. The DC said, “The administration had fixed a net and spread mattresses to prevent any injury to them in case they jumped from the roof. We had requested them to get the matter resolved through talks, but they remained steadfast. Doctors are looking after them.”