Senior Journalist. Amritsar/Chandigarh.
Punjab’s largest medical institute and hospital, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Hospital (GNDH) always remains in controversies regarding some issue or the other. But, not only the general public but also the patients and their relatives have to suffer the consequences of this. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of the state claims to make lakhs of promises to improve the health institutions, but improving this functioning from bottom to top is a big challenge for the government. The latest case is related to the nursing staff working at Shri Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, Amritsar. The dispute is coming to light due to mutual rivalry between 2 nursing groups. Recently, the Superintendent of the hospital had issued a letter making the matter of ignoring the senior category nursing staff an important issue and directed the Nursing Superintendent to strictly follow the orders. But, due to no solution being found, the issue heated up again. Patients are worried. The work is not being completed. The general public is worried.
Letter No. 13595 dated 18.10.23 issued a letter by the Medical Superintendent of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Hospital. It was cited in the letter that since they have come to know that the work of general nursing staff is being taken by ignoring the senior category nursing staff, whereas it is known that nursing staff are available in large numbers in the hospital. Senior category nursing staff should be appointed in-charge of their respective wards. If someone refuses to do the work, a letter should be written to them and put on record. The roster should be changed every month and it should be ensured authentically by posting it on the board.
It was clearly written that this order should be strictly followed, if there is any violation in any way then the Nursing Medical Superintendent will be responsible for it.
On the other hand, in case of not publishing their names, some senior nursing staff said that they are being completely harassed. They are being made to work as junior nursing staff, while, clearly ignoring their seniority, the juniors are being given the responsibility of the highest post. No one listens to us, here only recommendations get a chance. We are working hard only with the help of God.
Staff my family, ongoing dispute on 2nd, confident of resolving it soon
See, there is a mutual dispute going on between two nursing groups. Made both of them sit separately and explained several times. I believe that work is being greatly affected. The matter is also in the notice of the Medical Superintendent. Work is continuing on the instructions of the letter. The staff are my family. I assure to resolve the matter soon.
Nursing Superintendent———-Jasbir Kaur.
All allegations are wrong
Senior category nursing staff are being given work on the basis of their seniority. No recommendations were placed. This is absolutely wrong. The work is going perfectly. A letter has been issued to the Nursing Superintendent asking him to strictly follow the instructions. Order has been issued to change the roster every month. All the work is going on as per the rules. Some have disputes among themselves. The remaining allegations are completely false.
Medical Superintendent… Dr. Karamjit Singh.