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More than 30,000 nurses employed in government hospitals across Maharashtra have continued their indefinite strike for a third straight day, triggering widespread disruption in routine healthcare services and postponing over 2,000 surgeries daily.
The mass action is prompted by two core demands: the inclusion of nurses in the benefits of the 7th Pay Commission and an end to the increasing practice of contractual appointments. After an initial sit-in protest at Azad Maidan was reportedly overlooked by the state government, the Maharashtra State Nurses Association activated the indefinite strike beginning Thursday.
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: Over 2,500 nurses in Mumbai alone have joined, with participation echoed in government hospitals statewide.
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: While essential and emergency medical services are still available, non-essential surgeries and routine hospital operations have come to a halt.
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: Patients scheduled for regular surgeries are being sent back, compounding the backlog at state hospitals.
To cope with the absence of regular nursing staff, hospital administrations are deploying trainee and senior nurses to cover critical care. However, hospital deans acknowledge that the quality of service is being affected, with routine surgeries and treatments postponed to prioritize life-saving care.
Adding to the momentum, Class IV hospital employees—including ward boys, cleaners, and clerks—have voiced support for the nurses’ strike and threatened to join if their demands continue to be neglected. Warnings have begun to circulate from hospitals about potential suspensions for staff abstaining from duty, but union leaders remain defiant.
“We will not return to work until our demands are heard,” said Manisha Shinde, President of the Maharashtra State Nurses Association.
The strike situation remains fluid, with essential hospital services operating under significant strain and the potential for escalation if Class IV employees join. The Maharashtra state government is yet to formally respond to the nurses’ demands.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of July 21, 2025. Details are drawn from recent news reports and official statements. For the most current updates, please refer to official sources and local news outlets.
