Mumbai: 300 KEM nurses stage protest outside Dean's office over eviction notice

Mumbai: Irked over eviction notice to vacate residential quarters and shift to Sewree Tuberculosis Hospital, around 300 nurses of Mumbai's King Edward Memorial Hospital have recently staged a protest in front of the dean's office demanding alternative accommodation near the hospital. 

The demonstration follows the announcement of the KEM hospital renovating the nurses' quarters after a falling plaster injured the cook working in the kitchen and chose Sewri TB hospital for the accommodation of the nurses.

Although they have been assigned accommodation near KEM hospital only 2 km away, the nurses fear contracting TB at the proposed accommodation and demand the authorities select another accommodation near the hospital.

The protesters were also accompanied by their parents, who were equally furious over the sudden decision of the hospital authorities. The parents protested in front of the dean's office alleging that the hospital authorities are risking the student's life instead of solving their issues. The student's safety should be considered first, they said.

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The decision to move the students to another hospital for accommodation was taken after a portion of the plaster over the roof in the kitchen of the nurse's hostel fell on one of the contractual cooks who sustained a minor injury and was treated and sent back home immediately.

Immediately after the incident Dean of KEM hospital took a round of the building and decided to vacate the premises as soon as possible to undertake the major renovation of the building as the same was pending since 2018.

In this regard, the BMC also received a notice from the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission which had taken Suo Moto action wherein the corporation has given a submission that within two weeks the premises will be vacated and alternative accommodation arrangement for nursing quarters has been identified i.e Sewree TB hospital.

A letter issued on November 17 stated "The appropriate place i.e. ward No.2 & 4 has been identified wherein it can be ensured that all of the occupants of the nursing college were suitably accommodated and none of them directly or indirectly get exposed to TB patients being treated at the hospital."

Therefore, the authorities have asked the Principal to take the necessary preparation to shift the students, staff, and tutors to the TB hospital by November 28.

"If any of the occupants do not shift from the dilapidated nursing quarter, it will be at their risk, and consequences KEM administration (MCGM administration) shall not be held responsible for the same," the letter added.

However, the letter has sparked fear among the students and they now want different accommodations to avoid contracting TB in the newly identified accommodation. The parents have shown concern over the matter claiming that their children won't be safe at the TB hospital.

Urging the hospital authorities to reconsider the matter once, Gautam Bansode, a parent of one of the students said "We want our child's safety at any cost. Before going to work, I came to the hostel and supported my daughter in the protest. Our children's safety is the only thing we demand from the BMC."

While speaking with Free Press Journal, a parent, Tukaram Totara, who runs a small business in Vikhroli, said, "My only concern is that my daughter should be safe. But the order issued is not in their favour as they could contract TB. I urge the hospital to reconsider the order."

In response to the letter issued by the hospital, Advocate Rachana Agrawal, President of Swarakshini Mahila Sanstha, said "I have visited the wards allotted to nurses at TB Hospital. It is not a good place for them to stay, considering they are required 24/7. If they are sent far away from the hospital, it will be difficult for them to be available at a short notice. Moreover, there is a risk of contracting TB."

"We demand a safer place within 100 metres of the hospital area. Women MBBS students could be shifted from the Anchor building and the place should be allotted to nurses," she added.

The students have also expressed their concern saying that due to the services they provide round the clock, it will be best if given accommodation near the hospital and not 2km away as it might become hectic for them to handle. Moreover, the contraction is a different story to be taken into consideration first.

KEM Dean Dr Sangeeta Rawat informed mid-day, "Considering the students' safety, we decided to shift them to the premises of TB Hospital. However, they refused to do so due to fear of getting infected, so we are looking for another option. The safety of our students, tutors and staff is of utmost priority for us."

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