Operation theatres, Children’s ward, Burn Unit, Central Pathology, Neurology and Trauma Centers, and even doctors’ consultation rooms of the JAH Group of Hospitals are in a miserable condition with littered floors, stinking toilets and undisposed biomedical waste due to the accumulation of garbage and dirt caused by the indefinite strike called by the cleaning staff.
The cleaning staff has been demanding a hike in the pay and better working conditions, besides payment of dues.
The sanitation workers of the hospital say that they have not been paid the increment despite an assurance a few months back by the hospital authorities and the contractor to hike the pay.
At that time the staff had gone on an indefinite strike, and after negotiations it was agreed that an increment of Rs 500.00 will be given to every worker.
According to the workers, they were forced to go on strike because of the indifference shown by the hospital authorities and the contractor by not adhering to the assurance even after a lapse of three months.
They added that it has become difficult for them to meet their everyday expenses with the meager pay they get now.
Meanwhile the hospital authorities are working overtime to work out a solutionand assured that things will get back to normal very soon. According to sources they have called the contractor and have asked him to settle the matter immediately.
The authorities have also assured the striking staff that their demands will be met as early as possible, but the sanitation staff doesn’t seem to be impressed with assurances.
According to sources, they are planning to continue the strike till the salary is hiked and the dues paid.
They have cautioned that there will be a complete shutdown of sanitation works, if their demands are not met.