Despite Essential Services Act warning, Patiala's protesting nursing staff refuse to relent

The protest by nursing staff at the local government medical colleges entered its sixth day today, even as the Punjab government warned action under the East Punjab Essential Services (Maintenance) Act (ESMA).

Despite the move, the majority of protesters have refused to relent and continue to stage demonstrations. Of the 600 striking staff, only about 90 have reported back on duty following the ESMA order.

At Government Rajindra Hospital, patients have faced the brunt, particularly those without attendants. A patient admitted with renal stones complication was seen carrying her own glucose bottle while moving from one counter to another for tests.

“Government should enter into talks with protesting nursing staff, address their demand and end the protest. Due to the strike the patients are suffering. I would also urge the nursing staff to understand the plight of patient and join the duty,” said the patient.

Adressing the issue, Medical Superintendent Dr Vishal Chopra said over 900 nursing staff are on strike, with nearly 600 actively protesting. “The work has been distributed among senior nurses, interns, junior residents, and other healthcare staff,” he added.

Meanwhile, former Punjabi University professor and economist Kesar Singh Bhangoo condemned the imposition of ESMA and urged the government to address the nurses’ demands.

Protesters said they earn only Rs 29,000 per month despite the demanding nature of their work, and are seeking a pay grade of Rs 4,600, which would raise their salary to Rs 44,900.

Jujhar Singh Mann and aarti Bali, patron and president of the United Nurses Association of Punjab and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nursing Union, said has refused to relent. He said that despite the imposing of ESMA the protest will continue.

Around 1,800 nurses are employed across three government medical colleges and district hospitals. “We are regular employees, appointed under the Central Pay Commission after July 2020. We deserve Seventh Pay Commission benefits like our counterparts in Haryana,” he said.

According to the principal secretary of medical education and research, the indefinite strike that began on September 25 has “seriously hampered delivery of essential health services, including OPD, ICU, NICU, PICU, OTs, post-operative care, and ward management” in Patiala, Amritsar, and Mohali.

The stir has also taken a political turn, with Patiala Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Amit Rathi extending support to the nurses and accusing the government of exploiting them.