Nurses of Chandigarh’s PGIMER to protest on International Nurses Day

“The nursing cadre plays a pivotal role in the provision of quality healthcare. Their commitment and selfless service are vital in ensuring that patients receive optimal care, irrespective of the challenges they face. However, it is disheartening to note that despite their remarkable contribution, their demands remain unaddressed. Nurses Day is not an occasion to be happy for us as our cadre is dealing with an immense shortage of staff,” Manjneek said, adding that nursing officers were doing night duties at the age of 50-55 owing to delayed promotions.

“No clear-cut job responsibilities means extra work, with few weekly offs and no earned and childcare leave. There is a lot of stress on us, which can cause health issues. In these stressful conditions how can anyone celebrate?” Manjneek further said.

The theme of this year’s International Nurses Day is “Our Nurses, Our Future”, and the association has decided to organise a silent protest on Friday. It said the protest would not disrupt the hospital’s functioning.

Manjeek said that of the total 22 deputy nursing superintendent posts, 21 were vacant and that 63 of the total 82 assistant nursing superintendent posts were also vacant.

“The standard staff ratio for ICU is 1:1. Now it is 1:3. In the general ward the standard ratio is 1:6 and now it exceeds 1:20. In Emergency, 250-350 patients are seen by only seven-eight nursing officers,” Manjeek added.

Kumar Gaurav Dhawan, deputy director (administration) of the hospital, said the top priority was for hiring nursing staff as it was a long-pending demand. The hospital is looking to add about 1,500 nurses in the coming few months, he added.