Harish Rao criticises Congress government over staff nurse transfers

HYDERABAD: Former minister and Siddipet BRS MLA T Harish Rao has voiced his concerns regarding the transfer process of staff nurses in the Directorate of Public Health (DPH).

Harish Rao criticised the Congress government, stating that it has created a situation where not only ASHAs, ANMs, and Anganwadi workers but now even staff nurses are forced to protest on the streets.

He condemned the government's apathy towards the staff nurses, who have been protesting for two days, leaving their families behind due to perceived injustices in the transfer process. He questioned whether the 'Indiramma Rajyam' has any respect or recognition for female employees. He demanded that the government immediately address the issue and complete the transfer process transparently on behalf of the BRS party.

The transfer process in the DPH department has turned chaotic. On Friday night, hundreds of nurses staged a roadblock before Osmania Medical College in Koti, alleging irregularities in the counselling process. The police intervened when the nurses attempted to besiege the DPH office, leading to a protest on the road.

The protesters claimed that names from the long-standing list had disappeared, unqualified individuals were retained based on recommendations from external organisations, and bribes amounting to lakhs of rupees were exchanged for each transfer. The protest continued into the night, causing significant traffic jams.

DPH Ravindra Naik arrived at the medical college to pacify the nurses, but they surrounded him, demanding that the counselling process be halted until justice was served.