Imphal, August 25: As declared, the Manipur State Branch of Trained Nurses' Association of India (TNAI) launched cease work strike from 6 am today.

Abstaining away from their regular duty, the RIMS nurses assembled together at their office at Uripok Khumanthem Leikai and stayed there till late evening.

Speaking to reporters, TNAI RIMS unit president W Sorodhoni and joint secretary Th Rani said that an ultimatum was served to the RIMS Director to address their demands by August 23.The ultimatum was served after an executive body meeting on August 14.The demands of the TNAI RIMS unit include maintenance of transparency in the reservation policy for promotion of staff nurses, regularisation of the existing 153 contract nurses before recruitment of fresh nursing staff, establishment of a nursing college in RIMS, creation of nursing post as per norms of Indian Nursing Council, exemption of investigation/examination charges for in-patients except for mammography, MRI and CT scan, adequate provision of life saving drugs, installation of refrigerators in every ward and sections for storing drugs and medical tools, etc.

The agitating nurses maintained they will go on with their cease work strike until and unless their demands are fulfilled.

On the other hand, the RIMS authority has clarified that the regularisation of contract nurses does not rest with them.

Moreover, it is against a ruling of the Supreme Court to regularise contract nurses without facing DPC.

RIMS Director L Fimate has also warned of stern actions in accordance to instruction of the Ministry of Health.

However, according to information received by press, all the 153 contract nurses had undergone viva voce tests conducted by a duly constituted DPC on March 16-21, 2002 and August 28-29, 2003.A Committee on Regularisation of Nurses on Contract Basis with legal experts constituted by the RIMS Director have examined all rules, documents and procedures followed in the appointment of the 153 staff nurses on contract basis and it was found that the laws/rules/criteria laid down by the Supreme Court were substantially complied with and as such, the Committee recommended for regularisation of the contract nurses.

Moreover, the post of staff nurse being Group C, approval of the Secretary (Expenditure)/Home Ministry is not required for service regularisation of the nurses appointed on contract basis.

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