Bhubaneswar, (Orissa Today), Sept 26: Nursing Employees:The Odisha Nursing Employees’ Union (ONEA) has announced its decision to continue protests on Thursday and initiate a ceasework from Friday, as discussions with the Health Department ended without resolution on Wednesday.
Nursing staff will maintain emergency services until September 26, after which they will join the strike, according to ONEA officials.
On Wednesday, patient care in non-emergency departments at government hospitals across the state was partially disrupted as thousands of nurses participated in the strike, advocating for a 10-point charter of demands. Key among these demands is that the duration of their contractual service be recognized as qualifying service for promotions, along with a modified assured career progression (MACP) and notional increments.
During a high-level meeting with Health Secretary Aswathy S and Director of Nursing Artabandhu Nayak, ONEA representatives were assured of ongoing dialogue and that their concerns would be addressed sympathetically. However, ONEA Secretary Ashwini Das stated that the agitation will persist until a high-power committee is formed to favorably consider their demands.
