Chandigarh: The Punjab government has invoked the East Punjab Essential Services (Maintenance) Act (ESMA), 1947 to end the strike by nursing staff across government medical colleges. The strike, which entered its fifth day on September 29, has paralysed key hospital services in the state.
Nurses Demand Pay Hike
The nurses, represented by the United Nurses Association of Punjab, are demanding an upgrade in pay grade. At present, they earn ₹29,000 per month under a ₹2,800 grade. They are seeking a shift to the ₹4,600 grade, which would raise their salary to nearly ₹44,900 per month.
Services Severely Disrupted
The strike has disrupted OPDs, ICUs, NICUs, PICUs, operation theatres, and ward management in government medical colleges and attached hospitals at Patiala, Amritsar, and Mohali. Only emergency services are continuing.
Government Issues Stern Warning
Citing the disruption of essential health services, the principal secretary of medical education and research issued an order on Saturday warning of strict action against nurses refusing to return to duty.
ESMA Invoked Amid Flood Crisis
The government formally invoked ESMA to compel nurses and other essential medical personnel to report for work immediately. The order emphasised that Punjab is grappling with one of the worst flood disasters in decades, with medical colleges functioning as referral centres for affected populations.
Legal Consequences Outlined
The government’s notification stated that any violation of ESMA would attract strict penal provisions. It directed all nursing staff to refrain from absenting themselves from duty, leaving their posting, or refusing to perform their assigned responsibilities.
Nurses Continue Protest
Despite the government order, protesting nurses have refused to resume work. They maintain that their struggle is not against patients, but against unfair pay structures that undervalue their contribution to healthcare.
Union Vows to Continue Struggle
Addressing protesters outside Government Rajindra Hospital, union president Aarti Bali said:
“We are not against work, but our contribution cannot be ignored any longer. We want the government to recognise our services and give us the pay grade we deserve.”
