Bangalore, Karnataka -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/16/2011 -- The recent nurses' agitation in a Mumbai hospital has prompted doctors in Bangalore to warn nurses against striking work.

Last week, 250-odd nurses of Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai, went on strike after a colleague, Beena Baby, allegedly committed suicide on October 18. They were protesting against a two-year bond that allows the hospital to retain their original certificates. The certificates are released only after the bond expires or after payment of Rs 50,000.

Doctors in Bangalore said a strike will affect the prospects of Indian nurses obtaining visas to work in West Asia as the region doesn't permit agitations. Strikes are also prohibited under Essential Services Maintenance Act (Esma).

"One of the fundamental ethics of the profession says nurses shouldn't participate in agitations as that affects the service rendered to patients," said Dr S S Prabhudeva, vice-president, Trained Nurses Association of India.

Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, chairman, Narayana Hrudayalaya said: "Most of the Indian nurses prefer going to the UAE or countries in West Asia after working for one or two years in hospitals here. There are 6 lakh nurses from Kerala working in West Asia. If there are frequent agitations, there are chances these nurses may lose the opportunity to work abroad."

Dr Sudarshan Ballal, medical director, Manipal Hospital summed it up: "Anyone dealing with patients should never go on strike."