Seeking regular jobs, contractual nurses begin indefinite fast

Tribune News Service

Patiala, February 7

Contractual nurses from various hospitals in the state started an indefinite fast today. They continued their protest atop the office of the Medical Superintendent (MS), Rajindra Hospital, and were joined by the ancillary staff and Class IV employees of the hospital.

Karamjeet Aulakh, president of the Punjab Contractual and Ancillary Staff Union, said they would continue the protest till the regularisation of their services. 

“The government had given us assurances a number of times but never kept its word,” Aulakh said.

The nurses continued their stir despite rain. 

The police and the fire brigade remained stationed at the hospital. 

The six contractual nurses, who had climbed atop the Government Rajindra Hospital on Wednesday, were joined by a member of the ancillary staff and three of the Class IV employees. 

Meanwhile, the condition of three contractual nurses worsened due to rain. They were shifted to the emergency ward of the hospital. 

Vikram, a Class IV employee at the hospital, said, “We want a meeting with the Chief Minister.”