Delhi High Court Seeks Centre's Stand On Plea For Changing Nomenclature Of Nurses Working In Private Hospitals To 'Nursing Officer'

The Delhi High Court has sought the stand of Centre in a petition seeking change in the nomenclature of Nursing Personnel working in private hospitals at par with the Government Hospitals in the national capital.

Justice Rekha Palli, while posting the matter on December 21, granted time to the Centre for obtaining instructions as to whether the order dated September 9, 2016 by way of which Centre had issued order for changing the Nomenclature in the Nursing Personnel working in the Government Hospitals was intended to apply to private hospitals as well.

"Ms.Nidhi Raman appearing for the respondent no.2 prays for time to obtain instructions as to whether the order dated 09.09.2016 is meant or was intended to apply to private hospitals as well. At request, list on 21.12.2021," the Court ordered.

The Centre had issued directions dated September 9, 2016 for changing the Nomenclature of the Nursing Personnel from the "Staff Nurse" to "Nursing Officer". The same was received by the Nurses working in hospitals under various State Governments.

During the course of hearing, Advocate Jose Abraham appearing for the petitioner submitted that the said order was applicable to private hospitals also and, therefore, the respondents ought to pass appropriate directions to ensure that all private hospitals abide by the said change in nomenclature.

Moved by Indian Professional Nurses Association, an NGO, the plea stated that the change in nomenclature is an honor that is being bestowed on the nurses in recognition for their services to the society.

Reliance was placed on various hospitals in the national capital including Safdarjang hospital, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital, AIIMS etc. that adopted the change in nomenclature.

"Nurses both in private and government hospital are engaged in service of great public importance, i.e. providing healthcare support and as such have equal contribution towards the welfare of society at large," the plea stated.

Accordingly, the petition submitted that the act of selectively bestowing the honor on certain nurses while depriving the others working in private hospitals, is discriminatory and in violation of Art. 14 of Constitution of India.

Stating that being the backbone of the healthcare system contributed equally in the times of covid 19 pandemic, the plea averred thus:

"That it will not be out of place to say that, bestowing the nurses working in Government hospitals, with the said honorary recognition and keeping the nurses working in the private hospitals deprived of such recognition, would be biased and in violation of the principles enunciated under Article 14 of Constitution of India."

Case Title: Indian Professional Nurses Association v. Union of India and Ors.

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