Kochi: In a significant development amid the ongoing dispute in Kerala’s private healthcare sector, the High Court has permitted hospital managements to initiate disciplinary proceedings against nurses who continue to remain on strike.
The order was issued by Justice Harishankar V. Menon, who observed that mediation efforts between the agitating nurses and hospital authorities had failed to yield a resolution. The court accordingly lifted its earlier restraint, which had effectively prevented managements from taking action during the strike period.
The agitation, led by the United Nurses Association, began across several private hospitals in the state, with demands centred on salary revisions and improved working conditions. During earlier hearings, the court had issued an interim direction based on assurances that the strike would be withdrawn. However, hospital representatives later informed the bench that the protest was still ongoing in multiple institutions.
Taking note of the continued disruption and the breakdown of negotiations, the court allowed hospital administrations to proceed with lawful disciplinary measures against those participating in the strike.
At the same time, the court is still examining broader concerns raised by petitioners, including a plea to classify hospital services as essential and to ensure safeguards against disruptions caused by industrial action in the healthcare sector.
Further hearings are expected as the legal and labor dimensions of the dispute continue to unfold.