Paramedical staff in civic hospitals in Mumbai on strike

Altogether 10,000 paramedical staff of 16 civic-run hospitals in the city went on a strike today.

Paramedical personnel including nurses, ward boys, lab technicians, labourers and others from `peripheral' hospitals in Mumbai are taking part in the strike.

"As there is shortage of staff in hospitals we have to do double duty. There is a need of about 2,500 people. Also, our leaves have been cancelled," Ashok Jadhav, Assistant General Secretary, Municipal Majdoor Union, told Press Trust of India.

"We would ensure patients do not face inconvenience due to the strike," Jadhav said.

Dr Sanjay Oak, director of hospitals, said, "We are meeting their representatives and we will try to resolve the issue. Also, we are in the process of recruiting employees to fill the vacancies."