Nursing Officers’ Protest Begins Today: Full Strike to Start from 27th

Bhubaneswar: Nursing officers across the state are reigniting their protest starting today, following the state government’s failure to address their long-standing demands. Despite previous negotiations, the discontent remains as critical issues raised by the nursing workforce continue to be unmet. The Odisha Nursing Officers Association (ONOA) has declared a phased strike that could culminate in a full-scale work stoppage if their demands are not addressed by the government.

Today, from 8 AM onwards, the association has resumed its agitation, which had been temporarily suspended. The protest revolves around a 10-point charter of demands, which includes better pay, job security, and improved working conditions. While emergency services will continue to function, all non-essential services are expected to halt as a part of this movement.

Key Demands of Nursing Officers: The ONOA has repeatedly highlighted the critical role that approximately 15,000 nursing officers play in the state’s healthcare system. Despite their pivotal role, they argue that their justified demands remain unfulfilled. The 10-point demand list includes issues like pay parity, regularization of contractual workers, and ensuring better working conditions, especially in rural and underserved areas.

The association has raised these concerns on multiple occasions with the state government. Last month, after a similar agitation that disrupted healthcare services, the government had engaged in negotiations to avoid a prolonged strike.

Unresolved Issues Despite Promises: The ONOA had entered discussions with the state health minister on the 25th of last month, during which the minister assured them that their grievances would be addressed within a month. However, according to the association, there has been no progress on any of the promises made.

Speaking on the matter, an official from the ONOA stated, “Despite the promises made by the health minister, we have not seen any action or communication from the government regarding our demands. We were forced to resume our protest as the issues remain unresolved.”

If the government fails to respond by the 27th, the ONOA plans to intensify its protest. From the 25th, nursing officers will cease all non-emergency services, including outpatient care and routine operations in general wards. Emergency services such as ICU, OT, labor rooms, and critical care units will remain operational until the 26th, but from the 27th onwards, all nursing activities across the state may come to a halt, potentially affecting hundreds of healthcare facilities.