Manipur: Nurses’ stir enters 3rd day at JNIMS Hospital in Imphal

Imphal: The ongoing strike called by over 70 nurses from Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) Hospital in Imphal to press for their various demands entered the third day on Saturday. The nurses have also threatened to intensify their strike from Monday, if the authorities concerned fail to resolve their demands at the earliest.

The nurses, agitating under the banner of Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI), JNIMS unit, are demanding rectification of pay grade, providing nursing and uniform allowance, among others.

However, nurses who are on patient duty at wards are not taking part in the protest being held in front of the office building of institute’s Medical Superintendent.

“Despite giving assurance on numerous occasions by state government, none of the understandings that have been reached between TNAI, JNIMS Unit and state government have been translated into action,” said Tana Priya, joint secretary, TNAI, JNIMS Unit.

The nurses, who are part of the sit-in protest, informed that until those verbal assurances turn into action by the state government, the agitation will continue.

Meanwhile, chief minister N Biren Singh on Friday said, “We cannot make pay structure on a par with Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), because RIMS is totally a Central government-sponsored organisation, whereas JNIMS is a state-sponsored body. So, it depends on the revenue and economic status of the state. However, we are actively and positively considering to enhance whatever the state government can do.”

The nurses are also demanding National Pension Scheme deduction, old-age pension scheme benefit to employees appointed before 2005, high-risk allowance, qualification pay, among others.