Maharashtra resident doctors to go on indefinite strike from Feb 22

“Emergency duties will be maintained during the strike period as an essential measure,” Dr Abhijit Helge, president of MARD told The Indian Express.

At least 8,000 resident doctors across the state on February 7 planned an indefinite strike demanding better hostel accommodation, hike in stipend, and clearance of arrears.

However, following assurances from Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and others on the issue, resident doctors had temporarily suspended their agitation.

The official statement said: “As a collective voice of resident doctors across the state, we are compelled to announce a significant decision in response to the unmet promises made by the government. Despite our constructive engagement with the authorities and their assurances, regrettably, the commitments made to address the genuine concerns of resident doctors remain unfulfilled even after two weeks.”

The promises which include the immediate grant of necessary funds for hostel repairs and construction, regularisation of stipend payments with release of pending stipends and arrears, and a Rs 10,000 stipend hike were discussed in the meeting with the deputy chief minister and State Minister of Medical Education Hasan Mushrif.

“However, the delay in executing these promises has left us with no choice but to take decisive action to safeguard our rights… We reiterate that patient care is our utmost priority… Our intention is not to disrupt services but to ensure that the authorities fulfil their obligations towards resident doctors, who are the backbone of the healthcare system,” Dr Helge has said in the statement.

MARD has urged the government to act swiftly and address their demands within the stipulated time frame.
“Failure to do so will leave us with no option but to go on strike until justice is served,” the statement added.