Nurses’ body demands pay hike, new posts

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Government Nursing Service Association submitted a memorandum to Health Secretary Pravin Bakshi on January 11 highlighting the grievances of nursing services in the state.
The memorandum included demands for higher pay scale, segregation of pay scale for diploma holders and degree holders, incentives and amendment of study leave.
The association demanded the government to enhance the pay scale of general nursing and midwifery to Rs 37,800 per month (level-11) and B.Sc nursing to Rs 39400 per month (level 12) along with rural allowance to be given to nurses serving in Community Health Centers (CHCs) and Public Health Centers (PHCs).
The association also demanded for the creation of posts for joint director nursing and registrar to ensure the smooth functioning of nursing services in the state.
Stating that Meghalaya has a shortfall of more than 3000 nurses, the association pointed to the urgent need for the government to come up with more posts regarding staff nurses.