Maharashtra Resident Doctors to Strike Indefinitely From Feb 22 Over Unmet Demands

Resident doctors working in Maharashtra’s government hospitals are set to begin an indefinite strike from February 22. They’re taking this action because the government hasn’t met their demands, which include higher pay and better living conditions.

The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors announced the strike officially on February 19. Emergency services will still be provided during the strike, as confirmed by Dr. Abhijit Helge, the president of the association.

Earlier on February 7, over 8,000 resident physicians organized a walkout to demand better dorms, increased stipends, and repayment of debts. They temporarily stopped the strike after receiving promises from Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, but those promises weren’t kept. In a statement, the doctors expressed their disappointment, stating that despite engaging with the authorities and receiving assurances, their concerns remain unaddressed.

The government promised funds for hostel repairs, regularizing stipend payments, and increasing stipends by INR 10,000, but there have been delays. The doctors emphasize that their priority is patient care, but they feel they have no choice but to strike to ensure their rights are protected. They’ve given the government time to respond but warned that if their demands aren’t met, they’ll continue striking until justice is served.