Thiruvananthapuram: Healthcare services across Kerala witnessed disruptions as private hospital nurses launched a statewide strike pressing for a minimum monthly salary of ₹40,000. The protest, spearheaded by various nursing unions, has seen nurses stage demonstrations and peaceful sit-ins outside hospitals, drawing widespread public attention to their long-pending demands.
Nurses say their current pay does not reflect the intense workload, professional responsibilities, and rising living costs they face. Along with a uniform minimum wage, they are also seeking improved working conditions and stronger job security. While emergency and critical care services are being maintained in most hospitals to safeguard patient welfare, several routine and elective services have been affected. With tensions rising, discussions between union leaders, hospital managements, and government officials are expected soon in an effort to break the deadlock and restore normalcy in the healthcare sector.
