United Nurses Association seeks free tests, transport and 6-hour shifts, asks Kejriwal to intervene

After Delhi government designated 117 private hospitals for COVID-19 treatment, United Nurses Association (UNA) has alleged that most private hospitals are not providing PPEs to the nursing staff.

In some cases, the quality of the PPE provided has been below standards. “The government must set up mechanisms to oversee and inspect the implementation of the guidelines in especially private hospitals,” said Joldin Francis, general secretary, UNA in a letter to the Chief Minister.

Private hospitals are denying free testing for healthcare workers. In addition to not following guidelines and testing protocols, there have been several cases of salary deduction for the month of May and June adding to the anxiety and demoralisation of the nursing staff, the letter adds.

“In some of the private hospitals where PPE has been provided, duty hours have been increased excessively – up to 12 hours. Working with PPE is tiring and taking breaks during a shift is difficult. Shifts with PPE should be limited to a maximum of six hours,” underscored Francis.

The Association has highlighted that kins of the two nurses - Ambika PK (46 years) and Rajamma Madhusoodhan – who died of COVID-19--were yet to receive the promised compensation of Rs one Crore.

“This is a matter of urgency. Further, health workers should not need to die for their contribution to be recognised. Health workers, including nurses are therefore entitled to compensation, for contracting the disease while on the job. We request the government to ensure the compensation is provided at the earliest,” stated the letter.

The Association has also requested the Delhi government to ensure that transportation is provided to nurses and other health workers.