Maharashtra Doctors Strike Against Homeopaths’ Registration

Doctors in Maharashtra staged a 24-hour strike to oppose the government's decision to register homeopathic doctors in the state medical council. The protest, led by the Indian Medical Association, involves nearly 1.8 lakh allopathic doctors. The strike aimed to highlight concerns over patient safety and healthcare quality.

Maharashtra faced a significant healthcare disruption on Thursday as doctors across the state staged a 24-hour strike. The protest was in response to the government's decision to allow homeopathic doctors, who have completed a modern pharmacology course, to register with the state medical council.

Nearly 1.8 lakh allopathic doctors, including those from private hospitals, participated in the strike, according to Indian Medical Association (IMA) Maharashtra president, Dr. Santosh Kadam. Despite the strike, emergency and critical services remained operational to ensure patient care.

The doctors' community argued that this decision compromises patient safety and healthcare quality. Although an earlier notification was withdrawn after discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the government issued a new circular on September 5, leading to renewed protests. The strike saw participation from numerous medical associations across the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)