Contractual nurses of G.B. hospital protest for job security

By  Firstdespatch Desk   Aug 09, 2023

Agartala, Aug 08 (FD) Contractual nurses staged a protest in front of GB Hospital’s dedicated COVID facility on Tuesday, demanding permanent employment and highlighting the dire shortage of healthcare workers across the state.

Initially hired on a contract basis during the height of the COVID pandemic, these nurses paid a hefty sum of Rs 20 thousand, only to be laid off abruptly as the crisis subsided. This cycle of uncertainty and job loss has left them in a precarious situation, without any job security.

The nurses' fervent pursuit of a secure future led them to send multiple letters to the Chief Minister, seeking redress for their grievances, yet their pleas have gone unanswered. Frustrated by the lack of attention, they took to the streets, their determined voices resonating in the air as they demanded permanent appointments.

During the protest, the nurses not only highlighted their own plight but also emphasized the critical shortage of healthcare workers in various hospitals, including the state's top referral hospital. Their dedication and service during the pandemic underscore the need for urgent recruitment initiatives to address the shortage effectively.

Furthermore, the nurses revealed that they had not received their dues since March of the previous year, further exacerbating their financial hardships. With unwavering resilience, the protesting nurses continue to voice their demands, hoping to draw the attention of the Chief Minister and relevant authorities to their plight. FD SB JK