Research evidences indicate that the nurses’ working conditions and job satisfaction in India is limited and poor. However, reports indicate that nursing lacks clear career pathways and mechanisms for promotion; in-service training, pay is low (especially in private sector hospitals) and working conditions are often inadequate, lacking sufficient staff, equipment and infra-structure. One study in New Delhi, found that nurse: patient ratios of 1:50 were the norm. In the same study (which was based on over 150 interviews) nurses reported spending much of their time doing administrative, menial or unskilled work. In a study of female health workers in Kolkata, above 50% of respondents admitted experiencing sexual harassment at work. Nurses in private hospitals in New Delhi recently staged a strike in protest of low pay and exploitative working conditions.
Author(s): Vijayaraddi Vandali