Nurses’ strike continues for fourth day at GMCH; Class IV staff remain on strike at civil Hospital
Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The nurses’ strike at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) continued for the fourth day on Friday, increasing the burden on those attending duties with black ribbons. Many nurses are being forced to work double shifts to maintain patient care. Meanwhile, at the civil hospital, cataract surgeries could not be conducted on Friday as patient turnout declined due to the strike.
The Maharashtra Government Nurses Federation has been on strike since April 21, demanding immediate issuance of a detailed notification for implementation of the revised pension scheme, among other demands. The federation staged protests at the nursing hostel premises on Friday morning. Among those present were Indumati Thorat, Makarand Udaykar, Pravin Vyavahare, Pratibha Andhare and others.
Response to dean’s appeal:
Supporting the strike, the State Nurses Association continued patient services with black ribbons for the fourth day. Though the association was set to join the strike from Friday, it responded to an appeal by dean Dr Shivaji Sukre and decided to continue services. Assistance from students of government and private nursing colleges is also being taken to manage patient care.
Midnight round:
Amid the strike, dean Dr Shivaji Sukre and deputy dean Dr Suresh Harbade conducted a midnight round on Thursday to review patient care. They visited various wards, operation theatres, MICU, PICU, NICU, accident ward and labour room, and issued instructions to ensure there is no disruption in services.
Impact on services:
At the civil hospital, Class IV employees remained on strike for the third day on Friday, affecting cleanliness work to some extent, said civil surgeon Dr Kamalakar Mudkhedkar. The number of patients arriving from rural areas has declined, resulting in no cataract surgeries being performed.
Surgeries at GMCH
Despite the strike, GMCH conducted 26 major and 63 minor surgeries on Friday, totalling 89 procedures, while two surgeries were postponed.