PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The president of the Nursing Ekta Manch, Naval Pundir informed that they will organise a protest on December 5 at Parade Ground in Dehradun seeking action on their demands. These include, transparency in the health recruitment process (nursing official), the immediate closure of the examination portal and other issues.
Addressing the media on Sunday, Pundir stated that unemployed nursing officers in the State have been consistently voicing their demands for the recruitment of nursing officers in State hospitals. However, no action has been taken regarding these longstanding requests. He pointed out that a few years back, a written examination was initially announced for recruiting nursing officials, but it was cancelled when authorities claimed that senior candidates would be given the first chance based on seniority.
Consequently, the recruitment process was based on seniority rather than on the results of a written examination. The recent advertisement for nursing positions based on written exams has raised concerns among the nursing community. They argued that this is unfair to nursing officials who have now become seniors. For example, a current student scoring 96 per cent in the examination could be selected, while more experienced candidates might not qualify.
Pundir alleged that authorities are undermining the healthcare system in the State, as experienced nursing officials can provide more effective service than those with less experience. Therefore, they are urging authorities to revert to a merit-based selection process that considers seniority.
He further said that the recruitment of nursing officials should be conducted annually. While the government claims that the health system in the State is consistently improving, he questioned this, adding that it was recently acknowledged that many nursing positions are vacant at Haldwani Medical College and similar situations likely exist in other hospitals.
Pundir said that candidates have raised concerns about the ongoing examination portal, which is causing significant confusion and inequity among applicants. They have demanded the immediate closure of the portal until the entire recruitment process is clearer, more transparent and streamlined. Further, they have called for the recruitment to over 2,500 nursing positions annually according to IPHS standards. Additionally, they are requesting special age relaxation for over-age candidates, he said.
He said that in support of these demands, nursing officials from various districts gathered on November 25 and marched towards the secretariat and also submitted a memorandum. However, no action has been taken so far. Considering this, they have decided to protest on December 5 at the Parade Ground to seek action on their demands.
