KOCHI: The Kerala Private Hospitals Association (KPHA) has termed the state-wide strike called by the United Nurses' Association (UNA) in connection with the issues in KVM Hospital, Cherthala, as illegal. The association has extended full support to KVM Hospital, which took disciplinary action against some of its nurses after following due procedures for going on strike without notice and leaving patients unattended. The decision is of the association's meeting held in Kochi.
The KPHA has alleged that the UNA’s decision to go on strike is a challenge to the rule of law as there are many ways to find a solution. The UNA's decision is a clear indication of its arrogance that anything can be achieved with its member strength, said the association in a press statement, adding that it won't tolerate it at any cost.
“These kinds of action on the side of UNA have been posing a threat to the very existence of private hospitals already in crisis. Some people have been trying to portray private hospitals meeting 80 percent of the state's healthcare needs as enemies of the people." The KPHA urged the public and government to realise the same and come forward to protect the state's healthcare sector. The private hospitals are faced with a major crisis following the unscientific salary hike and regulatory laws, stated the association.
The UNA is going to strike with unjustifiable demands in such a scenario, according to the association. It will result in denying the high quality and emergency care to the common man and will lead the healthcare sector in the state to a major crisis. The association urged the state government to immediately take steps for resolving issues faced by private hospitals and protect the Kerala model in healthcare.
