Observing International Nurses Day as ‘Black Day’, Nurses Association of SNM Hospital staged a protest for half an hour against non-fulfillment of their demands on May 12 at SNM Hospital, Leh.

Hamza, President, Medical Employee Union Federation said, “International Nurses Day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale. The day is supposed to be celebrated in a festive manner but unfortunately, we are observing it as a black day since our demands are not been fulfilled”.

 “The demands like uniform allowance, risk allowance up gradation from 2016 are not fulfilled, which is a disheartening and shameful attitude of the government. We appeal the government to fulfill as soon as possible. If our demand is kept on pending the protest will continue”, he added.

Sonam Dolma, Nursing Supervisor said, “Every year the day was celebrated with joy and happiness but this is for the first time we are protesting. The government has neglected our demands”.

Tsering Diskit, Nurse said, “Government is turning a deaf ear to our demands. We undergo four years of degree course still there is no proper designation and the higher grade given to us like other industries. There are many vacancies that need to be filled and also the grievances and risk allowance is not provided by the government.”

The Nurses Association threatened to the authorities to go on strike if the demands are not fulfilled.