The Kerala High Court stepped in on Friday to halt an escalating dispute between private hospital managements and nursing staff, ordering all strike actions to be deferred until 19 March 2026 (Thursday). Justice Mohammed Nias C.P. called on both sides to seek an “amicable resolution” through formal mediation, citing the “considerable hardship” that disruption of healthcare services imposes on the public.

Mediation ordered amid conflicting claims

The legal battle, initiated by the Kerala Private Hospital Association (KPHA), highlights a sharp divide between employers and the Kerala United Nurses Association (UNA). The UNA told the court that wage issues had already been resolved in 932 of the 960 private hospitals, leaving only 28 in dispute.

Legal representatives for the Hospital Association disputed this claim. Acknowledging the dispute centred on wages and service conditions, Justice Nias said, “I am of the view that an attempt must be made to explore the possibility of an amicable resolution.” He referred the parties to the Mediation Centre attached to the High Court to facilitate negotiations.

Public interest takes priority

The court emphasised the essential role of nursing staff in hospitals. “Nurses constitute an indispensable and integral component of the healthcare delivery system in any hospital,” the judge noted, warning that prolonged disputes would cripple hospital operations and directly affect patients.

To ensure a “conducive atmosphere” for talks, the High Court issued specific directions:

The Nurses Association must defer strike actions and ensure members do not abstain from work or obstruct operations until 19 March 2026 (Thursday).

Hospital managements must engage in mediation “in good faith” to reach a fair settlement.

Both parties must avoid actions that could “aggravate or perpetuate” differences.

Strict timeline for resolution

The court has set a tight schedule for mediation. Representatives from the KPHA, UNA, and the Kerala Private Medical College Management Association are required to appear before the mediator on 17 March 2026 (Tuesday) at 11:00 a.m.

The mediator must submit a report by 19 March 2026 (Thursday), the same day the court will review the matter. This intervention follows a writ petition seeking to stay conciliation proceedings initiated by the Deputy Labour Commissioner in late February. The court clarified that the interim order is “without prejudice to any of the contentions of the parties.”