Punjab Nurses Defy ESMA, Strike for Rs 4,600 Grade Pay Restoration
In a bold move, nursing staff across Punjab have launched a strike on Thursday, defying the state government's imposition of the Essential Services (Maintenance) Act (ESMA). The protest demands the restoration of the Rs 4,600 grade pay, a long-standing issue that has disrupted services in several government medical colleges.
Strike Call and Impact on Medical Services
The strike was called by the United Nurses Association of Punjab, which has been advocating for the grade pay restoration for nearly five years. At Government Medical College (GMC) and other institutions, nurses have boycotted all routine medical services, attending only to emergency cases. This has led to significant inconvenience for patients, with the suspension of outpatient department (OPD) assistance, ward duties, and elective care support in cities like Amritsar, Patiala, and Mohali. However, critical emergency services, including intensive care, remain operational as nurses continue to report for urgent duties.
Government Response and Union Demands
The strike comes just a day after the Punjab government invoked ESMA, prohibiting nursing staff and other essential medical personnel from striking or abstaining from duties. The order warned of strict penal action against violators, emphasizing the need to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services and protect public health. Despite this warning, nursing unions have decided to press ahead with their agitation. In a press note issued on March 25, association president Ramanjit Singh Gill highlighted that Punjab nurses are paid less than their counterparts in other states, despite similar responsibilities and workloads. He termed the demand legitimate and long-pending, warning of an intensified protest if the government fails to respond positively.
Accusations and Future Implications
The nursing unions have accused the government of ignoring repeated representations over the years. They stated, "We have waited for years. If no concrete decision is taken, the protest will be intensified and the responsibility will lie with the government." This defiance underscores the growing frustration among healthcare workers in Punjab, who are seeking fair compensation for their critical roles. The situation raises concerns about potential further disruptions in medical services if the standoff continues, impacting patient care across the state.
