KEM hospital staff to go on hunger strike from today

Patient care at KEM hospital may get affected as nurses, X-ray technicians, lab assistants, ward boys and other class IV workers plan to go on fast unto death on May 8.

The Mumbai Mazdoor Union has called for a strike after talks with the hospital administration failed.

Mahesh Dalvi, secretary of MMU said, "At 8.30am, we will go on hunger strike. We had a silent protest early this week but the administration has not paid any heed to resolve our issues."

Talking about the reason of protest, Dalvi said the union has been meeting the hospital administrative over their demands and it has been months but no positive action has been taken by the hospital. "There are vacant quarters but allotment procedure has been delayed. Most of the staff is yet get bonus promised in 2011," said Dalvi.

Dr Shubhangi Parker, acting dean, KEM hospital said, "We are trying our best to fulfil their demands. We plan to meet them again today before they start their protest."

Dr Parker, however, assured that the administration will ensure that the patient care is not affected by the strike. The radiology-pathology department doctors have decided to double up as technician and ensure the emergency service is not affected. It will be a normal working day.