Telangana Nurses Seek Uniform Working Conditions, Staffing, and Safety Measures
The association has sought a director of medical education-level monitoring mechanism to ensure uniform implementation of these measures across government medical colleges, teaching hospitals, super-speciality hospitals and other institutions.
Hyderabad: The Telangana Nurses Association (TNA) has urged the government to ensure minimum working conditions, adequate staffing, workplace safety and professional development opportunities for nursing officers working in both private and government healthcare institutions and would conduct a candle march in solidarity with a nurse murdered in Hyderabad on Sunday.
In a memorandum submitted to the principal secretary, health, medical and family welfare department, the association sought time-bound implementation of guidelines issued by the Union health ministry for nurses working in healthcare establishments.
The association said nursing officers provide continuous patient care in wards, intensive care units, emergency departments, operation theatres, labour rooms and other critical areas, making their working conditions directly relevant to patient safety and quality of care. The TNA called for adequate nursing staff, reasonable working hours, properly equipped nursing stations, drinking water, separate washrooms and changing rooms, lockers and resting facilities. It also sought protection from workplace violence, adequate security during night shifts, personal protective equipment and occupational health and safety measures.
The association has sought a director of medical education-level monitoring mechanism to ensure uniform implementation of these measures across government medical colleges, teaching hospitals, super-speciality hospitals and other institutions. It suggested that principals and medical superintendents submit periodic compliance reports covering sanctioned and working nursing strength, vacancies, nurse-patient workload, duty rosters, working hours, welfare facilities, security arrangements, workplace violence incidents, PPE availability, training and grievance redressal.