JUMLA, Jan 17: Protesting against their low pay, the nurses of Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS) and Teaching Hospital have been boycotting their duties for three hours a day.
Nurses threaten stringent protests
The agitating nurses have put forward an 11-point demand to the KAHS authorities. Nursing Officer Sabina Thapa informed Republica that if their demands are not addressed, the nurses will go for a total boycott of heir duties. Organizing a press conference on the premises of KAHS on Sunday, the nurses warned of quitting their jobs if their demands were not addressed before January 20. As demanded by the nurses, private organizations should provide nurses at least the minimum salary and perks fixed by the government. The nurses have also demanded that no nurse should be exploited as a volunteer and should be paid a salary and all the allowances. Nursing Officer Sushmita BC informed Republica that the nurses will continue fighting for their rights and privileges until their demands are heard. "We want to end all kinds of discriminations which are prevalent in our profession," said BC. As many as 57 nurses and female health workers have joined the protest.
Dr Sharmila Shrestha, coordinator of the struggle committee of KAHS, said that the nurses are currently providing emergency services only. "If our demands are not addressed, we will have to stop providing the emergency services as well," said Shrestha.
