AIIMS Nurses' Union protests over working conditions; 47 nurses infected so far

Amid coronavirus pandemic, the AIIMS Nurses' Union has been protesting for the last five days, demanding better facilities at the workplace. So far, 47 nurses at AIIMS have tested positive for COVID-19.

New Delhi:The AIIMS Nurses' Union, which has been protesting for the last five days over its members' poor working conditions, warned the administration that they will go on strike if their concerns are not addressed as the number of workers infected by COVID-19 at the hospital is increasing.

President of the union Harish Kajla has earlier said that working at a stretch for six hours, which is extended to seven to eight hours at times, while donning PPEs was adversely affecting the physical well-being of the nursing staff, especially the women.

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Speaking to ETV Bharat, Harish said that they also do not want to go for strike during this difficult time. But when it would become a predicament, we will be having no options but to go for strike and the sole responsibility of all consequences will be on the AIIMS administration.

AIIMS Nurses' Union demands include:

1. Implementation of uniform 4-hour duty with PPE in COVID areas

2. Safety of female nurses

3. Uniform rotation policy between COVID and Non-COVID areas

4. Establishment of proper donning and doffing area

5. Refreshment after doffing

6. Display of duty roster, shuttle service during night shift

7. Provision of ambulance facility for COVID screening/COVID positive staff among others

"Nurses are severely affected by the long working hours (exceeded up to 7 to 8 hours) while wearing PPE kits. Conditions of women nurses are largely affected. We are demanding better facilities at the workplace for our nurses who are the backbone for our medical institute," Harish Kajla said.

So far, 47 nurses at AIIMS have tested positive for COVID-19. However, AIIMS authorities say that none of the healthcare workers was infected with the virus during patient care.

(With inputs from agencies)