Maharashtra: CM steps in; promises guards, CCTVs, free aid to striking doctors

The CM stepped in to find a solution to the statewide doctors’ strike, which entered its fourth day on Thursday, severely crippling medical services and affecting poor patients who rely on government hospitals for treatment

In an hour-long meeting on Thursday with representatives of the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis promised the protesting doctors 1,100 security guards within a fortnight at all government hospitals, and free legal and medical aid in case of an assault.

Doctors outside KEM hospital. (Bhushan Koyande)

The CM stepped in to find a solution to the statewide doctors’ strike, which entered its fourth day on Thursday, severely crippling medical services and affecting poor patients who rely on government hospitals for treatment.

After the meeting, government officials said MARD promised to call off the strike by evening. At the time of going to press, MARD said it had called off the protests and urged resident doctors to get back to work.

The CM’s announcement came after the doctors had ignored state medical education minister Girish Mahajan’s warning to resume work by Wednesday evening or face a six-month salary cut.

Fadnavis also promised doctors a legal cell to provide free aid in cases of assault, said a senior official who was at the meeting. Fadnavis said the government would work on a long-term plan like CCTV networks in hospitals and proposed setting up an apex council of doctors and government representatives to meet every three months to resolve issues. “The state government was hopeful the doctors would resume their duties by Thursday evening and things would be back to normal, as patients were suffering,” Mahajan said.

“The government has accepted all demands,” added Mahajan.

Meanwhile, 3,200 showcause notices were issued to resident doctors asking why they should not be expelled for not joining duty. Rajagopal Devara, secretary, medical education department said the notices were issued by deans of government hospitals. The government is yet to initiate action.