Pune: Patient Services May Be Disrupted as Sassoon Hospital Nurses Plan Indefinite Strike

Pune, 19th April 2026: Government and semi-government employees across Maharashtra, along with teaching and non-teaching staff, have warned of an indefinite strike starting April 21 over pending demands, raising concerns about disruption of essential services, including healthcare.

The joint coordination committee of state government, semi-government, and education sector employees has issued the strike call, demanding resolution of long-standing issues. The strike is expected to see participation from multiple employee unions across the state.

In Pune, the situation could significantly impact healthcare services as the Maharashtra Government Nurses Association (affiliated federation) has also extended support to the agitation. As a result, nurses at Sassoon General Hospital are likely to join the indefinite strike.

The association has put forward key demands, including implementation of the Old Pension Scheme, filling of vacant nursing posts, promotion of tutors, and increasing the retirement age from 58 to 60 years.

Prajnā Gaikwad, President of the Pune unit of the association, warned that if the state government fails to take an immediate and positive decision on these demands, the strike will commence from April 21 across Maharashtra.

“We have submitted a formal letter to the dean’s office regarding our participation in the strike. If the government does not respond promptly, we will proceed with the indefinite agitation,” Gaikwad said.

With nurses from one of Pune’s largest government hospitals likely to participate, authorities fear that patient care services could be severely affected if the strike goes ahead as planned.