Joining time extended for striking nurses

In a letter written by the director and addressed to the nurses, it was stated that those nurses who would join by the above stipulated date and time the dispensation of no victimisation and leave of the kind due would also apply to them. The letter said, “They must report for duty by 7 a.m. of June 20 in the office of Nursing Superintendent PGIMS.”

It further stated that this dispensation will only be applicable till the above date and time. It maybe recalled that the government had earlier asked the nurses to resume duty by June 3 but later it was extended by a day.Meanwhile, the condition of the three nurses- general secretary of Nurses Association Santosh Hooda, nurse Taneja and nursing student Anita – deteriorated today. They have refused to accept intravenous fluid. They are on fast-unto-death since June 2. The Director visited the leaders who are admitted in PGI.

However, the morale of the striking nurses was high. The president of the Association, Durga Yadav, said that they would not relent. They will fight the battle to the end, Yadav said. She said their strength and courage had been underestimated by the present government. Yadav said the government was propagating the idea of 30 per cent reservation for women, while it was not ready to listen to legitimate demands of the nurses.

She further said that they have sought the support of class Four para- medical staff. Yadav said the former president Sumitra Hooda had issued a notice to the director to go on strike and later applied for medical leave for the period she was on strike. Yadav demanded action against her.Meanwhile, the director has appointed inquiry officer to conduct an inquiry of striking nurses who were chargesheeted by the hospital authority. The inquiry would begin soon, said Dubey.

However, there has been no change in the situation. Nearly 100 nurses and nursing sisters have joined duty. The time has been extended as more nurses wanted to join duty, said an official of the hospital.