Nurses working in private hospitals across Kerala have announced plans for a statewide strike after rejecting the government’s proposed salary revision for healthcare staff. The protest is being led by the United Nurses Association, which represents a large number of nurses employed in the private healthcare sector.
The dispute began after the state government issued a draft proposal revising the minimum salary for staff nurses to approximately ₹25,450–₹30,880 per month, depending on experience and hospital category. However, the nurses’ association has rejected the proposal, stating that the increase is not sufficient given the rising cost of living and the demanding nature of their work.
The union has demanded that the minimum basic salary be fixed at ₹40,000 per month for nurses working in private hospitals. According to the association, salaries in many hospitals have not been significantly revised since 2018, which has created dissatisfaction among healthcare workers.
Union leaders warned that if their demands are not addressed, nurses across the private sector may begin an indefinite strike, which could affect routine hospital services. However, they have assured that emergency and critical care services will continue to ensure that patients are not put at risk during the protest.
The wage dispute has also raised concerns about the healthcare workforce in the state. Many nurses say that low salaries and heavy workloads are pushing skilled professionals to seek better opportunities abroad.
Government officials, on the other hand, have stated that discussions with hospital managements and nurse representatives will continue in an effort to find a solution that balances fair wages with the financial realities of private healthcare institutions.
The situation remains under close watch, as the proposed strike could have a significant impact on the functioning of private hospitals across Kerala if a settlement is not reached soon.
