Patiala, March 30 -- The Punjab government on Sunday issued a final warning to striking nurses across three government medical colleges, directing them to immediately resume duties or face strict action under the East Punjab Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1947.

In a letter, the director of research and medical education (DRME) said that despite enforcement of ESMA from March 25, members of the United Nurses Association of Punjab have continued to abstain from duties, severely disrupting essential healthcare services.

The ongoing strike has affected critical hospital operations, including intensive care units (ICUs), neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), operation theatres, wards and emerge...