Why Did RN Cooper Hospital Nurses Protest? What Were Their Demands?

More than 150 nurses at Dr RN Cooper Municipal General Hospital in Vile Parle West, Mumbai, staged a protest on Wednesday, July 29, over what they described as a severe shortage of nursing staff and unresolved administrative issues. The demonstration continued for more than eight hours before being called off around 4 pm following assurances from BMC’s Director of Major Education and Major Hospitals, Dr Shailesh Mohite.

The nurses said they have repeatedly raised concerns over staff shortages, pending pay-related issues and delays in administrative processes. Hospital authorities said services were not significantly affected during the protest due to the presence of some nursing staff. Mumbai: Elderly Man Mistaken for Drunk Driver After Stroke, Delayed Treatment Leaves Him Paralysed.

Why Did RN Cooper Nurses Protest?

The nurses highlighted several long-pending issues, including a shortage of nursing staff despite the addition of new departments and wards at the hospital.

Their key concerns include:

• Nursing Staff Shortage: Nurses said new wards have been opened without increasing staff strength.
• Pending Increments: They claimed arrears related to the 6th and 7th Pay Commissions have not been cleared.
• Administrative Delays: Nurses said they are facing difficulties in updating nominations, receiving permanency letters, getting deposit refunds and accessing leave travel allowance.
• Leave-Related Issues: Staff members alleged that leaves are not being approved and child care leave is being shortened.

Nurses Demand More Staff

A nurse, requesting anonymity, said the staff shortage has continued despite repeated complaints.

‘We have been flagging this issue for years now, yet the BMC has not increased the number of nurses at our hospital while the departments have continued increasing. Every time we raise the issue, they give hollow affirmations and end up not solving the issue. This time we are keen to stand our ground until we receive some substantial instant relief. We won’t accept mere promises’. Mumbai Woman Rhiya Ahir Hailed As ‘Fearless’ After Viral Video Shows Her Blocking Police Van During CJP Protest.

The nurses said they want an increase in staffing levels or a review of the additional wards being operated without adequate manpower.

Union Says Hospital Needs More Nurses

Kalpana Gajula, general secretary of Noble Nursing Union, said the shortage has placed additional pressure on existing staff.

‘This is a very long-pending issue. Cooper only has 270 nurses while it should have at least 500. We have sent multiple letters over the years, including one this month and one around a month ago, yet there’s no solution from the authorities. Nurses are forced to work without taking leaves, overwork at multiple wards, etc. Despite this, around five new wards were added to the hospital over the last year. Today, around 80 nurses had begun the strike around 7 am and around 150 participated by noon. Dr Mohite intervened and assured us a meeting today so the gathering dispersed’

According to the union, the hospital currently has around 270 nurses, while it requires nearly 500 according to their assessment.

Hospital Responds to Protest

Dr Chaya Shinde, dean of Hinduhrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Medical College and Dr RN Cooper Hospital, acknowledged the staffing issue and said steps were being taken to address the shortage.

‘Partial presence of nursing staff ensured that hospital services weren’t completely disrupted. The primary issue is the lack of staff and we have taken cognisance. Addition of new departments cannot be halted, so we are addressing the shortage of nursing staff alongside. I have already informed my superiors for both contractual and permanent appointments’

The hospital administration said recruitment proposals for both contractual and permanent nursing positions have been communicated to senior officials.

The protest was called off after Dr Shailesh Mohite assured the nurses that he would visit and discuss their concerns. A protester said: “Mohite-ji assured us over the phone that he will visit to solve our problem. We have halted the protest till then,” The nurses are now awaiting further discussions with authorities on their demands.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2026 11:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).