Covid warriors protest, demand regular jobs

Patiala, October 29

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Outsourced Covid-19 warriors, paramedical staff and nurses, of Government Rajindra Hospital today staged a protest and blocked Chandigarh-Bathinda national highway outside the hospital demanding regularisation of their jobs. They are said to have been told by the authorities that their contract has already been over in the month of September. However, following the assurance by the minister to continue their job, they are still performing their duties.

The protesting employees were supported by farmer and labour unions. They demanded immediate regularisation of their jobs. The protesters said they were hired last year during an emergency situation. Each and every healthcare worker has worked around-the-clock to provide medical services during the Covid waves, the protesters added.

Amanjot Singh, a nurse, said, “We suffered personal losses while working in Covid wards. The government should immediately give us jobs.”

Dr HS Rekhi, Medical Superintendent, Government Rajindra Hospital, said their cases had already been taken up by higher authorities, however, they were still adamant to continue their protest. — TNS