Operations at major private hospitals across Kerala were significantly disrupted on Monday as nurses launched an indefinite strike for higher wages and improved benefits. Led by the United Nurses Association (UNA), the protesters are demanding a minimum basic salary of ₹40,000.
The move is part of a statewide strike spearheaded by the UNA. Although the Kerala government recently issued a draft notification to revise pay scales, the UNA rejected the proposal, alleging that the hike is insufficient and that many managements remain unwilling to meet the demanded ₹40,000 basic pay.
Around 100 private hospitals in Kochi, Thrissur, Kannur, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts were affected by the strike.
The protesters argued that the revised pay scale did not guarantee a ₹30,000 increase.
According to UNA, 13 hospitals agreed to raise nurses' wages to ₹40,000. These hospitals will be excluded from the strikes, the UNA said.
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The protesting nurses said their salaries were last revised in 2028 and have since become inadequate due to the rising living costs.
UNA held a meeting with members of the All India Health Care Providers Association (AIHCPA) on Sunday. "Seven private hospitals had agreed to the salary demand and signed an agreement following the meeting," said Jasminsha, UNA president.
She added that under the agreement signed with the seven hospitals, the clause of appointing trainee nurses was stricken, and the starting salary for nurses would be ₹ 32,750.
Jasminsha also alleged that major hospitals remained hesitant to meet the demands.
Concerns over nurses agitation
The Kerala nurses' agitation has sparked intense debate, with some industry observers speculating that larger private investment interests may indirectly benefit from the situation.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the ongoing protests would directly impact small and medium-sized hospitals.
The sudden increase in minimum wages could dramatically raise operating costs as smaller institutions rely on standardised insurance package rates and modest treatment charges.
"If salary costs rise sharply across the sector, many smaller hospitals may find it difficult to sustain operations, potentially leading to closures or forced consolidation," said a source in the private healthcare industry.
