Article Today, Hyderabad: Nursing is no longer a profession dominated only by women. In Telangana, a significant number of men have entered the field and serve in government hospitals. However, male nurses allege severe discrimination in promotions. Despite years of service, outdated government orders have kept them from advancing in their careers. The Telangana Nurses Joint Action Committee (JAC) is now demanding an urgent amendment to the rules.
Outdated Orders Hinder Progress
In 2005, Government Order (GO) 82 opened nursing courses to male students. Since 2011, nearly 1,200 men have joined government service as nursing officers. Yet, promotion policies remain unchanged. Old GOs state that only women are eligible for staff nurse posts and related promotions. As a result, the 2024 seniority list for lecturer promotions did not include a single male nurse. This omission has left many disheartened.
Court Ruling Supports Equal Opportunity
Some male nurses challenged the rule in court. In 2014, the Andhra Pradesh Administrative Tribunal in Hyderabad held that restricting staff nurse posts to women violated the Constitution. The tribunal also clarified that the government has the authority to amend these rules. However, the Telangana government has not acted on this ruling even after a decade.
Andhra Pradesh Shows the Way
Neighboring Andhra Pradesh resolved the issue this year. On March 14, the state issued GO No. 47, amending the nursing service rules. It replaced the words “only women” with “men and women,” ensuring equal opportunities for both genders. This change has addressed the long-pending grievance of male nurses in that state. Male nurses in Telangana now question why similar action has not been taken.
JAC Appeals for Policy Change
The Telangana Nurses JAC has urged the government to end gender bias in promotions. They recall that the Congress government, now back in power, had earlier opened the profession to men. The JAC demands that the current administration take Andhra Pradesh as an example and amend outdated GOs. They stress that nursing should have no place for gender-based discrimination and that all qualified professionals deserve equal opportunities.
