Pune Hospitals Open or Closed Today? Here’s Why Doctors Called Off the Strike
Pune Hospitals Open or Closed Today? Here's Why Doctors Called Off the Strike
Pune, July 20, 2026: Private hospitals and clinics across Pune will function normally on Monday after medical associations withdrew their proposed statewide shutdown over the assault on doctors at Shastrinagar Hospital in Dombivli.
The decision to suspend the strike came following the intervention of the Bombay High Court, which took suo motu cognisance of the incident, stayed the bail granted to the accused, and directed him to surrender before the police. The court also appealed to the medical fraternity to call off the protest in the interest of patients.
The statewide protest had been expected to disrupt outpatient services (OPDs) across Maharashtra. However, after an emergency meeting of representatives from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), along with associations representing Ayurvedic, Homoeopathic, Dental, and government medical practitioners, it was decided to temporarily withdraw the strike.
As a result, OPD services, consultations, and routine medical care at private hospitals in Pune and across Maharashtra will continue without disruption, providing relief to thousands of patients.
Doctors Continue to Demand Stronger Legal Protection
While the strike has been called off, medical associations said their concerns remain unresolved. Doctors continue to demand stronger legal safeguards for healthcare professionals and stricter enforcement of the Maharashtra Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to Property) Act to curb attacks on medical staff.
Medical bodies have urged the Maharashtra government to strengthen existing provisions, ensure swift prosecution of offenders, and implement more effective security measures at hospitals.
Indefinite Agitation from August 9 if Demands Remain Unmet
The IMA has warned that if the state government fails to address its demands within the stipulated time, doctors across Maharashtra will launch an indefinite statewide agitation from August 9.
The protest was triggered by the alleged assault on doctors and healthcare workers at Shastrinagar Hospital in Dombivli earlier this month, an incident that drew widespread condemnation from the medical community and reignited demands for stronger protection of healthcare professionals.
For now, patients in Pune and across Maharashtra can expect normal medical services, while discussions between the government and doctors’ organisations are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
