Mard strike from today

PUNE, NOV 21: Over 300 resident doctors of the B J Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital will launch an indefinite strike from Monday in response to the State-wide strike call of the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors MARD to push for higher pay-scales.

The resident doctors of MARD Pune, who are seeking a substantial hike in the interim relief offered by the State Government, will submit a notification of their strike to the dean, B J Medical College at 10 am on Monday, and continue the strike at the Sassoon premises. While resident doctors in states like Punjab, Delhi and Rajasthan are paid stipends up to Rs 12000 to 17000 per month, their counterparts in Maharashtra are paid only Rs 4500-6000, the main factor behind the fresh strike.

The MARD, Pune, will also conduct a blood donation camp at the Sassoon premises on Monday. The donated blood will be handed over to the hospital blood bank, said Dr Vivek Ankolekar, a MARD representative.

On November 1, the resident doctors had launched a token one-day strike to put forth their demands and grievances and to officially announce the indefinite strike from November 22, if their demands were not met.

Meanwhile, a 24-hour cell manned by a senior resident officer, has been opened at the Sassoon hospital, and patients are requested to call 628000, extension 204 for assistance.