Bengaluru: National Health Mission has instructed district health officials in the state to take legal action against nursing officers who are staying away from work and sitting in protest from Monday.
Hundreds of nursing officers have pitched camp at Freedom Park, demanding regularisation of jobs. They are also demanding equal pay for equal work — at least as much as contract nurses under the department of medical education get until they are made permanent — among others.
In a written directive to district health officials, an NHM official said state nursing officers have been absent from duty following a strike called by Karnataka State Contractual Nursing Officers Employees Welfare Association.
“This will affect public health services. Therefore, as indicated by the principal secretary, health and family welfare department, notice will be issued to nursing staff who are participating in the strike unofficially. They will be told to report to duty within three days,” the NHM official wrote.