Hospital Workers Protest For Salaries, Accuse Officials Of Graft
The union has demanded: Immediate release of three months’ pending salaries, appointment of dedicated sanitation workers for hospital toilets, issuance of ID cards and uniforms for all staff and implementation of Provident Fund (PF) and Employee State Insurance (ESI) benefits.
KARIMNAGAR: Tensions flared at the Government Main Hospital in Karimnagar on Thursday as hospital workers, led by the Hospital Workers and Employees Union, launched an indefinite strike demanding immediate release of pending salaries and improved working conditions.
Bandari Shekhar, honorary president of the union, accused hospital authorities of corruption and negligence in delaying payment of nearly ₹3 crore, funds already sanctioned by the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Hyderabad.
“The cheque has been issued, but the money hasn’t reached the workers. Are officials waiting for a 10 per cent commission before disbursing it?” Shekhar questioned, while addressing striking workers outside the hospital.
He expressed frustration over the prolonged delay, stating that staff—many of whom are low-wage earners — had not received salaries for the past three months. “If a bribe is what it takes to get our dues, we’re ready to beg and collect it ourselves,” he said, highlighting the desperation of the workers.
Shekhar also alleged that authorities have threatened to bring in temporary workers from Warangal at ₹500 per day to replace striking employees, calling it an attempt to suppress legitimate protest.
The union has demanded: Immediate release of three months’ pending salaries, appointment of dedicated sanitation workers for hospital toilets, issuance of ID cards and uniforms for all staff and implementation of Provident Fund (PF) and Employee State Insurance (ESI) benefits.
Union leaders P. Arun, T. Kalavathi, Suman, Mahesh, Mounika, and Rajayya joined the protest and declared they would continue the strike until all demands were met.