Govt to grant nurses' demands

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The five main demands of the Nurses' Trade Union will be granted, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena promised State Sector United Nurses Union President Ven Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera. The demands will be granted before the end of this month, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, the Minister has given necessary instructions to Health Ministry Secretary Dr Ravindra Ruberu.

Minister Sirisena decided to grant the demands after discussions with health sector trade unions.

Placing nurses on Grade One after 12 years service considering special services, changing the training period of three years including maternity care training, establishing National Post Education Training Institute as an independent body through a Parliament Act, establishment Nurses Council and implementing proposed Nurses' Constitution after amendments are the five demands to be granted.

The demands will be granted after discussions with Finance Ministry Secretary P B Jayasundera, he added.