Over 9,000 Contract Nurses & Paramedics in Karnataka Initiate Indefinite Strike, Disrupting Health Services
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Synopsis
Bengaluru, Feb 27 (NationPress) Health services in Karnataka faced significant disruption as over 9,000 contract nurses and paramedics began an indefinite strike, demanding better pay and job security. The protest, organized by the Karnataka State Contract Paramedical Employees Welfare Association, has affected healthcare services statewide.
Key Takeaways
- Over 9,000 nurses and paramedics are on strike.
- The strike is affecting health services in Karnataka.
- Protesters demand equal pay and job security.
- The BJP has expressed support for the nursing staff.
- The Congress government has yet to respond to the demands.
Bengaluru, Feb 27 (NationPress) Health services in Karnataka faced significant disruption on Thursday as over 9,000 nurses and paramedical staff, employed on a contractual basis by the state government, commenced an indefinite strike overnight.
The strike, initiated by the Karnataka State Contract Paramedical Employees Welfare Association, marked its second day on Thursday. It began on Wednesday at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, where nurses and paramedical personnel from various districts across the state convened for the protest.
Demonstrators, predominantly women, held placards inscribed with slogans like “Equal pay for equal work”, “Divine justice, divine reach”, and “We want justice”. They spent the night at the protest site on the occasion of the Mahashivratri festival, urging the government to respond to their grievances.
Health services, especially in rural areas and smaller towns, have been notably disrupted, leading to considerable inconvenience for the public.
The striking nurses and paramedics are advocating for a salary revision and inter-district transfers. They voiced their discontent towards the government, emphasizing that despite serving for 15 years, they receive a meager salary of only Rs 14,000 per month.
Furthermore, they demand the confirmation of their positions by the state government.
The state BJP unit has expressed support for the nurses' agitation and conveyed its solidarity with their cause.
As of now, the Congress government has not responded to the nurses' demands.
Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, along with BJP MP C.N. Manjunath from Bengaluru Rural, visited the protestors on Wednesday.
The BJP has assured that the nurses' concerns will be raised in the Assembly and communicated to the government.
Narayanaswamy pledged to discuss the matter with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Health Minister.
Manjunath also affirmed to the protestors that the party stands with them, advocating for equal pay for equal work and permanent job positions for nurses, technicians, and other paramedical staff, who are vital to the healthcare system.
