Maharashtra Healthcare Struck by Indefinite Strike

Healthcare services in Maharashtra were severely disrupted on Saturday as private practitioners joined the indefinite strike by government resident doctors. The strike, initiated in protest against the rape-murder of a post-graduate trainee at a Kolkata hospital, has affected elective services, such as outpatient departments and planned surgeries. The doctors demand improved security measures, quality hostels, and a transparent investigation into the incident.

Healthcare services in Maharashtra were hit hard on Saturday as private practitioners joined government resident doctors in an indefinite strike, observing a call by the Indian Medical Association (IMA). The strike, in protest against the rape-murder of a post-graduate trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, has been ongoing since August 13.

According to the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), elective services such as outpatient departments, planned surgeries, and lab procedures were affected, with only emergency services being operational. President of Central-MARD, Pratik Debaje, reported meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif to push for demands including a thorough investigation into the incident and improved security in hospital premises.

The Indian Medical Association announced a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency services. In Mumbai, civic authorities allocated medical officers from peripheral to tertiary hospitals to manage emergency duties. Additionally, protest marches and rallies were organized in Thane and Navi Mumbai by healthcare professionals demanding justice for the Kolkata incident.