Punjab’s healthcare system is under mounting pressure as the indefinite strike by nursing staff across three government medical colleges and hospitals entered its 15th day. The protest, centered around salary disparities and the enforcement of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), has triggered a sharp confrontation between the state government and nursing unions.
Health Minister Issues Ultimatum, Calls Strike ‘Illegal’
Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh has warned striking nurses to immediately return to duty or face strict action. Labeling the agitation as “illegal,” he stated that salaries would be withheld for the strike period due to violation of ESMA provisions.
The minister also raised serious concerns over patient safety, alleging that protesting nurses attempted to disrupt operations in an operating theatre (OT). He cautioned that any incident leading to patient harm could result in an FIR being registered against those responsible.
Nursing Students Deployed to Maintain Hospital Services
To prevent disruption in healthcare services, the government has decided to deploy around 5,000 nursing students in government hospitals. According to the minister, these students—who have completed General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM)—are capable of handling patient care.
He emphasized that patient services would not be compromised, even as students are being asked to work without remuneration during the crisis.
Protest Against ESMA and Salary Disparity
The core issue behind the strike is the government’s invocation of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) and a long-standing salary anomaly affecting nurses recruited after July 17, 2020.
Nursing unions argue that the current pay structure is discriminatory and does not reflect the workload in tertiary care hospitals. Approximately 1,500 nurses are reportedly earning around ₹29,000 per month under a Grade Pay of ₹2,800.
They are demanding:
- Restoration of ₹4,600 Grade Pay
- Salary revision to approximately ₹44,900/month
- Reclassification from Grade C to Grade B posts
National-Level Attention: AIGNF Writes to Centre
The issue has now escalated beyond the state level. The All-India Government Nurses Federation (AIGNF) has written to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, seeking intervention in the matter.
The federation has backed the protesting nurses, highlighting the disparity in pay and working conditions, and urging the Centre to ensure fair treatment.
Standoff Continues, Patient Care Concerns Rise
As the deadlock continues, concerns are growing over the long-term impact on healthcare services in Punjab. While the government insists that arrangements are in place, nursing unions remain firm on their demands, setting the stage for a prolonged standoff unless a negotiated resolution is reached.
