Odisha Nursing Staff Launch Statewide Agitation Over 10-Point Demand Charter

Nurses in Odisha have initiated a statewide protest over a 10-point demand list, including regularisation of contractual staff and ending outsourcing. Despite discussions with the health department, their issues remain unresolved. The government has urged staff to cease protest actions immediately, citing the Odisha Emergency Services Act.

Nurses across Odisha's state-run hospitals and healthcare centres launched a statewide agitation on Wednesday, voicing a 10-point charter of demands that includes the regularisation of contractual workers and the elimination of the outsourcing system.

Suchismita Dash, president of the Odisha Nursing Employees' Association (ONEA), said the group has repeatedly presented these demands to the state government with no response. While nurses began their protest without interrupting emergency medical services, Dash warned they might resort to a complete 'cease work' from September 27 if their demands are not met.

State health secretary Aswathy S held talks with ONEA representatives to address concerns affecting nursing officers. Although the health department assured sympathetic consideration, Dash expressed dissatisfaction and confirmed the association would continue with their planned agitation.

Meanwhile, the government has urged nursing staff to call off the agitation, return to work, and avoid further strikes. Director of Nursing Artabandhu Nayak had earlier instructed the heads of all state-run healthcare facilities to take action against staff participating in the 'cease work' protest, invoking the Odisha Emergency Services (Maintenance) Act, 1988.

(With inputs from agencies.)