Chaos in Silchar Medical College; Police called to bring situation under control

The nursing staff of Silchar Medical College and Hospital forced the Principal to call Police in order to bring situation under control. Today was the third day of the strike called by the states Staff Nurses.

Since last three days they have not been reporting to work as the government is yet to make a statement on their demands. The Hospital administration on the other hand, roped in the BSC Nursing students and other external nurses to fill in the gap and avoid unforeseen circumstances. Today the picketers barged in the wards and pulled out the students filling in.

“These nurses were on their duty in paediatric department and their absence could harm the kids admitted. We tried to explain this to them, but they were not willing to hear a word and forced the nurses out. This behaviour compelled us to call the Police for help,” says Babul Bezbaruah, principal cum chief-superintendent. 

Speaking to Barak Bulletin the principal said that the strike did not affect routine work as the administration roped in external hands to pitch in. He also mentioned that, the administration can run the hospital without the nurses on strike by roping in Bsc Nursing students and nurses from outside. “The administration cannot do anything about their demands, the government has to look after it. We tried to explain, that we are in the pre-election period in the state and the code of conduct is already issued. In such a scenario no ministers or bureaucrats will be able to make any promises,” says Bezbaruah.

A senior nurse, on the other hand alleges that they were ill-treated by the Police officials, “The did a lathi-charge on us, arrested us and forced us out of the hospital premises. Then they took us to Borakhai High School in Fakirtilla and kept us stranded there before eventually leaving us at around 7. We strongly condemn the behaviour of the Police officials,” says the senior nurse.

It is not over yet! “Tomorrow we will again go there and stop the nursing students and external nurses from doing nursing duties. Tomorrow, our protest will be more vigorous than ever,” says she.

Below are their demands: