In a compelling demonstration of their demands, nurses affiliated with the Tamil Nadu MRB Nurses Empowerment Association gathered at the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services in Chennai to put forth their 11-point charter of demands. Among their primary requests is the longstanding appeal for the regularization of their services. The nurses’ protest took an intense turn as they attempted to encircle the premises in the morning, leading to their arrest by the police, who subsequently relocated them to various marriage and community halls within the city. The nurses allege that they were forcibly removed from the premises by law enforcement.The nurses, originally recruited through the Medical Services Recruitment Board (MRB), have been steadfast in their demand for the regularization of their services, which they consider essential to secure their future employment prospects. Their core request is for the State government to establish permanent positions based on patient load, in line with the recommendations of the National Medical Commission and the Indian Public Health Standard. Additionally, they are calling for the filling of nursing positions in the 11 newly established government medical college hospitals.
The association has further requested the government to reconsider its decision to surrender the posts of mentor staff nurses within the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine to create new positions at the Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital. They also seek the reinstatement of nurses who worked during the challenging COVID-19 period but were subsequently terminated from service, recognizing their dedication and contributions during the pandemic.
Another crucial demand put forth by the nurses is the provision of paid maternity leave, acknowledging the importance of supporting their well-being and family life.