Emergency squads serve amid Maha nurses strike

In the midst of a statewide indefinite strike by over 45,000 government nurses, the Maharashtra State Nurses Association (MSNA) has deployed 10-member emergency squads across its 47 branches to ensure that critical surgeries are not affected.

- Aditi Shekar

Each squad operates in two 12-hour shifts , from 8 am to 8 pm and vice-versa, providing vital support to government hospitals struggling with a shortage of trained nursing staff.

The strike, which began last Thursday, is in response to the state government's June 6 decision to recruit nurses on a contractual basis.

Demanding a halt to contractual appointments, the MSNA is pressing for filling of vacant posts (which currently stand at nearly 50% of sanctioned positions), and increased allowances and promotions for staff.

Despite suspending routine services, MSNA clarified that emergency medical care remains a priority.

“This is to ensure that no critically ill patient suffers due to our strike. We are committed to patient care, but we will not call off the strike until our demands are addressed,” said Ram Suryawanshi, state treasurer of the MSNA.