When High Court directed the government to enforce Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) in the wake of a strike called by nurses’ association and a section of hospital managements, the government has decided to take steps to avoid disruption of health care services in the state.
It has urged the nurses’ association to drop the strike plan. However, the government is not keen on going for ESMA option which the ruling CPM considers a draconian law aimed at curbing the rights of workers.
The LDF had strongly opposed the move to invoke ESMA against nurses during the UDF government’s regime.
Health Minister K. K. Shylaja said the HC had already observed that it was not appropriate for nurses to keep off work. “I have appealed them to return to work on the basis of the decision taken by the government. The remaining demands can be taken up subsequently,” she added.
The minister said it was wrong to strike work in hospitals especially in the wake of fever cases. “Hospital services are essential services but that does not mean they cannot demand their rights.
Meanwhile, United Nurses Association (UNA) will hold state council meeting in Thrissur on Sunday to take a decision on the mode of the strike in the wake of high court directive.
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