Strike by nurses: Kerala HC directs govt, police chief to ensure smooth functioning of hospitals

Kochi: High court has ordered the state govt and state police chief to issue appropriate instructions to police officers to ensure that the functioning of hospitals belonging to the Kerala Private Hospital Association is not obstructed or disrupted in any manner due to the ongoing state-wide nurses' strike.The bench of Justice C P Mohammed Nias issued the order in a petition filed by the Association seeking a directive to the state govt to take appropriate action under the Essential Services Maintenance Act to declare hospital services as essential services and to ensure that strikes and disruptive activities affecting hospital services are prohibited.The petitioners approached HC in view of the strike called by United Nurses Association (UNA), demanding a hike in the minimum monthly salary of nurses to Rs 40,000 along with other benefits. They claimed that the ongoing strikes in private hospitals across the state are causing hindrance to the smooth functioning of hospitals. The petition also sought a directive to prevent any obstruction, intimidation, dharna or demonstration at hospital premises by the striking nurses or their supporters, and to ensure protection to nurses and other hospital staff who are willing to attend duty.Taking note of the gravity of the situation and the potential impact on patients' right to access timely medical care, HC ordered the govt and police chief to issue appropriate instructions to district police chiefs and other concerned police officers to ensure that the functioning of private hospitals is not obstructed by protesters. Police shall also ensure that free and unobstructed access to the hospitals is maintained at all times and that no blockade, intimidation or interference of any nature is permitted at or near hospital premises. Besides, police must ensure that nurses and other staff who are willing to discharge their duties can do so without any threat, coercion, obstruction or interference from the Nurses Association or its supporters, HC directed.HC adjourned the petition to March 13.