Mumbai: Protesting Unfulfilled Promises: Maharashtra Resident Doctors Go on Indefinite Strike

Mumbai, 22nd February 2024: Resident doctors across Maharashtra have decided to initiate an indefinite strike starting from 5 pm today due to the state government’s failure to meet their demands for an increase in stipends and improvements in hostel facilities. The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) had previously gone on strike on February 7 but called it off after Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar assured them that their demands would be addressed within ten days.

Despite the assurances made earlier this month, the resident doctors claim that there has been no progress in the last two weeks, and their concerns have been ignored. The state has over 8,000 resident doctors, but only 3,000 hostel facilities are available. The promised stipend raise has not been implemented. Presently, junior resident doctors receive a monthly pay of ₹78,000 to ₹82,000, and MARD is demanding a pay scale similar to that of central institutes, which is ₹1.2 lakh per month.

Dr. Abhijit Helge, president of Central MARD, stated that they will not call off the strike unless there is a cabinet decision on their demands. The doctors have expressed frustration over the unmet promises and the lack of progress in addressing their genuine concerns.

During the strike, resident doctors have pledged to continue providing all emergency services, while senior doctors and professors have been asked to manage outpatient departments in medical colleges. The situation regarding elective surgeries will be monitored, and cancellations may be considered if the strike continues. The Directorate of Medical Education and Research has not provided a comment on the situation as of now.