AIIMS Bhubaneswar Nursing Officers Launch Hunger Strike Demanding Justice
In a dramatic escalation of protests, nursing officers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhubaneswar initiated a hunger strike on Wednesday. This decisive action stems from their demand for swift measures against individuals allegedly involved in the violent assault on P Ramesh, the president of their nurses' association, which occurred on April 10.
Details of the Assault and Police Response
The incident took place at approximately 4:30 PM on April 10 in the Patrapada area of Bhubaneswar. According to reports, Ramesh was attacked by six unidentified assailants, resulting in injuries. A formal complaint was promptly filed at the Khandagiri police station on the same day. Police authorities have confirmed that two suspects have been arrested as of Monday, with ongoing investigations to apprehend the remaining perpetrators.
Suspicions of Institutional Involvement
However, the nursing association members express deep skepticism regarding the motive behind the attack. Manubala Jena, the general secretary of the association, highlighted a critical point: "If the intention was robbery, the attackers would have seized Ramesh's brand-new costly mobile phone and cash. Yet, they took nothing from him." This anomaly has led the group to suspect the potential involvement of a staff member from AIIMS Bhubaneswar itself.
Jena emphasized, "We have repeatedly urged the AIIMS-Bhubaneswar administration to take necessary steps, but our pleas have gone unanswered. Following a protest rally on hospital premises that yielded no results, we resorted to a hunger strike to demand justice for our president."
Threats of Escalated Action
The hunger strike is not merely a symbolic gesture. The nursing officers have issued a stern warning: if the institution's authorities fail to act promptly, they will cease providing non-essential services within the hospital. This move could significantly impact hospital operations, underscoring the gravity of their demands.
Institutional Silence and Ongoing Tensions
As of now, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has maintained a conspicuous silence on the matter. Executive director Ashutosh Biswas declined to comment, and the institution has yet to release any official statement addressing the allegations or the hunger strike. This lack of response has only fueled the frustration among the nursing staff, who continue their protest in pursuit of accountability and justice.
The situation remains tense, with the hunger strike highlighting broader concerns about safety and institutional responsiveness within one of Odisha's premier medical facilities.
