Aster DM Healthcare has disclosed a significant operational disruption across its seven hospitals in Kerala due to a statewide nurse strike commencing on March 9, 2026. The company reported an initial revenue loss of INR 17.68 crore up to March 13. Relief was noted after the Kerala High Court directed the strike to defer until March 19, 2026, allowing operations to stabilize as nurses resume duties.
Operational Disruption in Kerala Hospitals
Aster DM Healthcare announced a material event concerning disruptions caused by a statewide strike initiated by the United Nurses Association starting March 9, 2026. The core issue driving the strike relates to demands for revision in wage structures. As the Company operates seven hospitals in Kerala, the industrial action has temporarily disrupted operations, leading to reduced occupancy and reliance on skeletal staffing.
Contingency Measures and Initial Financial Impact
To maintain critical services, the Company implemented internal contingency measures and mobilized nursing staff from neighboring states like Karnataka. Financially, the strike resulted in a revenue loss of INR 17,68,74,860 between March 08 and March 13, 2026. Affected units include Aster Medcity Hospital, Aster MIMS hospitals in Calicut, Kannur, and Kottakkal, Aster Mother Hospital, and Aster PMF Hospital in Kollam.
High Court Intervention and Expected Outlook
The Kerala Private Hospital Association sought judicial intervention. On March 13, 2026, the Hon’ble High Court directed the Nurses Association to defer the strike until March 19, 2026, and referred the parties to a mediation center for settlement negotiations. This order immediately provided relief, allowing certain nurses to rejoin duty. Based on the court’s direction and the expectation of resumed ordinary operations by March 19, 2026, the company anticipates no further losses exceeding INR 5,32,88,649, provided circumstances do not change.
Disclosure Rationale
This disclosure is being made at this stage after the Company, in collaboration with industry bodies, actively engaged stakeholders and after the Court order was issued, allowing for a preliminary assessment of the operational impact and materiality of the event.
Source: BSE
