Karnataka health services disrupted as 9,000 nurses strike

Bengaluru: Health services in Karnataka have taken a hit as over 9,000 nurses and paramedical staff, hired on a contract basis by the state government, went on an indefinite strike.

The strike, which started overnight, has severely affected health services across the state.

The strike organised by the Karnataka State Contract Paramedical Employees Welfare Association has entered its second day, with nurses and paramedical staff from across Karnataka continuing their protest. The strike began on Wednesday at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, where staff from all districts gathered to demand better working conditions and pay.

Holding placards with slogans such as "Equal pay for equal work," "Divine justice, divine reach," and "We want justice," the protesters, mostly women, spent the night at the venue on the Mahashivratri festival day, demanding that the government address their concerns.

Health services, particularly in rural areas and small towns, have been disrupted, causing severe inconvenience to the public.

Striking nurses and paramedical staff in Karnataka are demanding a salary hike and easier inter-district transfers. They criticised the government, stating that despite dedicating 15 years to their profession, they feel undervalued, earning a modest salary of just Rs 14,000 per month.

The nurses are demanding confirmation of their services by the state government.

The state BJP unit has supported the agitation by nurses and expressed its solidarity with their struggle.

The Congress government is yet to respond to the demands of nurses.

Legislative Council's Leader of Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and BJP MP from Bengaluru Rural seat C.N. Manjunath visited the protestors on Wednesday, extending their support to the agitation. The BJP has assured that the issues faced by the nurses will be raised in the Assembly and brought to the government's attention.

Narayanaswamy has promised to speak to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the health minister to resolve the crisis.

Manjunath has also assured that the party will push for equal pay for equal work and permanent job status for the nurses. He emphasised the crucial role nurses, technicians, and paramedical staff play in the healthcare system.

Karnataka nurses launch indefinite strike, intensifying demands for better pay, easier transfers, and job security to improve their working conditions.

(inputs from IANS)