Kerala private hospital nurses stage strike, demand Rs 40,000 minimum salary

Thiruvananthapuram: Private hospital nurses across Kerala began a strike on Wednesday, demanding a minimum monthly salary of Rs 40,000, improved service conditions, and the implementation of various pending assurances without further delay.

The strike was organised by the United Nurses Association (UNA), which represents a majority of nurses working in around 490 private hospitals, including clinics across the state. As part of the protest, the association also staged a march to the state secretariat.

According to the protesting nurses, their salary was last revised in 2018 and has since become inadequate in view of the rising cost of living.

Though the state government had issued orders for a salary hike in 2023 following a protest under the aegis of the UNA, it has not been effectively implemented so far, they alleged, news agency PTI reported.

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One of the protesting nurses said they want the government to implement a clear wage system for private hospital nurses, as mentioned in the Nursing Council's regulations.

"The condition of nurses in the private sector is pathetic in the state. They are getting different salaries in accordance with the decision of respective managements in various hospitals in the state," the nurse told reporters here.

One of their major demands is to fix their basic pay at Rs 40,000, she said.

"Nowadays, the nursing sector is heading towards businesses. The sector is witnessing a brain-drain now. Majority of qualified and experienced nurses are going abroad in search of good salary and living conditions," the nurse pointed out, reports PTI.

The protesting nurses said the strike is likely to affect the functioning of 490 private hospitals, but would not impact emergency services.

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