Thiruvananthapuram, March 4 Hundreds of nurses and nursing tutors in private hospitals across Kerala began a strike on Wednesday, demanding a minimum monthly salary of ₹40,000 and the immediate implementation of pending assurances.
The strike, organized by the United Nurses Association (UNA), also saw a march to the state Secretariat as part of the protest.
The protesting nurses stated that their salaries were last revised in 2018 and have since become insufficient due to rising living costs.
Although the state government had issued orders for a salary hike in 2023 following a UNA-led protest, they alleged that it has not been effectively implemented.
One nurse stated that the government must implement a clear wage system for private hospital nurses as outlined in the Nursing Council's regulations.
"The situation for nurses in the private sector is dire. Salaries vary widely depending on the management of each hospital," she told reporters. She added that one of their major demands is to set the basic pay at ₹40,000.
"Currently, the nursing sector is becoming increasingly commercialized. Many qualified and experienced nurses are seeking opportunities abroad for better pay and living conditions," the nurse said.
The protesters stated that the strike is likely to affect private hospital operations but will not impact emergency services.
UNA president Jasminsha said that the agitation will intensify in the coming days as more nurses join the strike. He warned that the organization would launch an indefinite strike starting Monday if the government does not formally accept their demands. Leaders from various political parties visited the protesting nurses and extended their support.
