The Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer) Staff Nurses Development Welfare Association is planning to hold a one-hour protest demonstration on July 18 in front of the administration block of Jipmer hospital, demanding that the the issue of staff shortage be addressed.
Vitin John, General Secretary, Jipmer Staff Nurses Development Welfare Association, said Jipmer has 2,300 beds with the support of only 1,300 nurses. This includes nurses from the administrative side as well.
“According to SIU (staff inspection unit) norms, the hospital should have a total of 3,600 nurses. Jipmer is one among the three largest hospitals under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The other two are AIIMS Delhi and PGIMER Chandigarh. While there are 2,300 beds in AIIMS, they have nursing staff strength of 4,500, PGIMER has a nursing staff strength of 2,700 for 1,800 beds. The association has decided to organise a black day protest and one-hour demonstration from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m,” he said.
He further, “Due to this shortage in staff, our nurses have to work very hard to provide all patients equal care and support. However, due to the extended hours, nurses are suffering from health issues. More importantly, they have been denied their fair share of leave and time to rest. This condition of nursing staff will adversely affect patient care as well.”
