SCB hospital house surgeons and nursing staff stand-off escalates, patient care likely to be hit

The ongoing stand-off between the house surgeons and the nursing staff at SCB Medical College and Hospital escalated on Wednesday with junior doctors, resident doctors and SCB doctors’ associations extending support to the cease-work agitation by the house surgeons.

The house surgeons and nursing staff are at loggerheads over alleged misbehaviour. The house surgeons have launched the cease-work from yesterday (July 16). However, emergency services are continuing. The house surgeons are demanding immediate transfer of the concerned lady nursing officer.

“The incident occurred four days back and we gave complaint to the Superintendent; but, as no action was taken, we launched a cease work from yesterday. We were forced to do this as false allegations were brought against us,” said a house surgeon.

Meanwhile, the nursing association today announced to wear black badges for three days across the state and launch a cease work agitation from July 24 if the matter is not resolved.

“The way a lady employee was gheraoed is criminal. Those guilty should be arrested; and, issue public apology even though they are house surgeons. If this is not done, we will stage a symbolic protest by wearing black badges from tomorrow,” said Sarojini Jena, secretary of Odisha Nursing Employees Association, SCB Unit.

According to Jena, the concerned lady staff had called the house surgeon for patient’s work, not for her personal work. If they (house surgeon) felt something wrong, they should have lodged a complaint against her, she said.

The stalemate is likely to adversely affect patient care at the SCB Medical College and Hospital. Meanwhile, no comments could be obtained from SCB authorities over the matter.

Later in the day, the dispute between the nursing staff and house surgeons was resolved, following which normalcy in healthcare services delivery is expected to return from tomorrow. According to sources, the House Surgeons' Association which had called for a cease-work stir, withdrew its protest after a high-level meeting with the Cuttack Municipal Corporation Commissioner.