Mumbai : Employees of K.B. Bhabha Hospital in Bandra have threatened to go on a stop-work strike from October 2, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, if their long-pending demands are not addressed by September 30.
Protest Outside Hospital Office
On Friday morning, hospital staff staged a protest outside the hospital office, expressing strong dissatisfaction with the administration and citing humiliating behavior by the Medical Superintendent. The protest began at 10:30 am, followed by a meeting where union leaders and employees resolved to escalate their agitation if corrective measures were not taken immediately.
Long-Standing Employee Demands
The workers cited several critical issues pending for years, including filling vacant and promotional posts, publishing seniority lists, fair work distribution, and proper facilities for female staff such as restrooms and changing rooms on every floor of the new hospital building. Employees also demanded the option to wear dresses instead of sarees, equitable distribution of uniforms, soaps, towels, and better quality food in the staff canteen.
Administrative Lapses Highlighted
The union raised concerns about delays in providing duplicate service book copies, permanency confirmations, confidential report copies, and timely payment of overtime wages. They also noted that inadequate hospital supplies were affecting daily operations.
Ultimatum to Hospital Administration
Union General Secretary Ramakant Bane alleged that the Medical Superintendent often insults and mistreats employees, creating widespread dissatisfaction. “If the authorities fail to address our grievances by September 30, we will have no option but to launch a legal strike from October 2. Should medical services to Mumbai citizens suffer as a result, the responsibility will rest solely with the administration,” Bane stated.
This sets the stage for a potential disruption in hospital services if demands are not met before the October deadline.
