Leading charitable hospitals in the city on Monday said that giving higher wages other than the minimum wages fixed by the government should be left to the discretion of respective hospitals.

They said that there was no dispute on implementing minimum wages in hospitals. But a decision on higher wages should be on the basis of the financial capacity of each hospital and skills, efficiency and dedication of the staff.

They said that the strike by a section of nurses for higher wages without considering these aspects and also without giving legally valid notice was highly deplorabale.

The statement was signed by Dr Prem Nair, Amritha Institute of Medical Sciences, Mr Joy P. Jacob, Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church Medical College, Kolencherry, Fr Paul Munjeli, Lisie Hospital, Fr Sabu Nedunilath, Lourde Hospital and Fr Sebastian Vadakkumpadan, Little Flower Hospital, Angamaly.

Nurses at SH Hospital, Pynkulam, Thodupuzha threatened to go on a strike from Tuesday seeking hike in salay and other benefits.