Mumbai resident docs call for strike from today

The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors has called for an indefinite strike from Tuesday of resident doctors working in public hospitals in the state, including 1,700 doctors in Mumbai.

The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has called for an indefinite strike from Tuesday of resident doctors working in public hospitals in the state, including 1,700 doctors in Mumbai.

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After a series of discussion with officials from directorate of medical education (DMER) and the medical education minister did not yield any result, the doctors called for a ‘mass bunk’ over their long pending demands of stipend hike, security and accommodation. The doctors do not call their agitation a 'strike' as that would invite punitive measures under the Essential Services Maintenance Act.

“DMER director and medical education minister Dr Vijay Kumar Gavit refused to meet our demands. They said the government does not have so much money that it can hike the stipend. They also remained non-committal on other demands,” said Dr Santosh Wakchaure, general secretary of central MARD.

Dr Pravin Shingare, director, DMER, said, “They want a revision of Rs10,000 in their monthly salary, while the minister has agreed to Rs5,000 increase. We will take action against them if they don't join work within 24 hours."

At present, MARD doctors earn a monthly salary of Rs31,000.

Officials from DMER said that state is now reeling under drought and the exchequer does not have so much of funds.