Flouting ESMA regulations, nurses of state-run hospitals launch 2-day protest in Odisha

Flouting Odisha Emergency Services (Maintenance) Act, 1988 (ESMA), nursing staff of state-run hospitals and healthcare centres in Odisha launched a two-day agitation on Wednesday demanding fulfillment of their 10-point charter of demands that includes regularisation of contractual workers and scrapping of outsourcing.

Nurses under the banner of Odisha Nursing Employees' Association (ONEA) have also threatened to cease their work completely from 27th September if their demands are not met at the earliest.

Other than emergency services, ICU and OT, the nurses at the State-run hospitals have refrained themselves from other hospital works.

“We have been demanding fulfillment of our demands since long. All the officers are aware of our demands, but no action has been taken so far. We have given one month time to the Odisha government for a discussion, but they did not call us,” an agitating nurse said.

“Like any other day, we will continue our work for the emergency services. But if our demands are not met, we will launch a cease work from September 27,” another protesting nurse said.

On the other hand, Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling said the association has been called for a discussion.

"The government is hopeful that the outcome will be positive and there will be no disruption in healthcare services," he said.

It is worthwhile to mention here that the Odisha government imposed the ESMA for a period of six months on August 6.