India: Unionized nurses to protest at the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services (DMS) in Chennai Feb. 21

Nurses from the Tamil Nadu Government MRB Nurses Empowerment Association plan to protest outside the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services (DMS) on Anna Salai Road, Chennai, Feb. 21. Participants are demanding various concessions from the local government, including that authorities award permanent contracts to temporary nurses and reinstate 2,500 nurses who were suspended despite their services during the COVID-19 pandemic. While turnout remains unclear, dozens to a hundred people could attend the gathering. The event is likely to pass peacefully.

Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely around the protest site, especially if protesters march on or block roadways. Additional demonstrations may occur outside prominent public hospitals and government offices. While major disruptions to emergency and essential medical services at public hospitals are unlikely, minor delays are possible, particularly if the protest is well-attended.