Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently commented on the ongoing doctors’ strike that stemmed from the government’s proposal regarding the registration of homoeopathy practitioners. At a press conference, he stated that any form of protest which disrupts patient care is deemed inappropriate. Fadnavis affirmed the government’s stance that all healthcare professionals, irrespective of their medical practice, should be treated equally in the eyes of the state.

“I believe that protests should not be conducted in a manner that disrupts patient care. Any protest that hampers treatment and relief for patients is inappropriate,” he noted. He reiterated the importance of all doctors, especially those serving in public medical institutions, ensuring that they feel respected and valued by the government.

Strike by Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors

The remarks by Chief Minister Fadnavis were prompted by the announcement of an indefinite statewide strike by the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD). This strike has been a response to the proposal that enables the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) to register homoeopathy practitioners. In their announcement, MARD clarified that while emergency services would continue for the first 24 hours, all outpatient services, routine responsibilities, and academic activities at government medical colleges would be halted.

The strike garnered backing from multiple medical organisations, including the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Maharashtra State Resident Doctors Association (MSRDA), and others. These associations expressed their solidarity with MARD’s position, amplifying the call for the government to reassess its stance on the registration issue.

Prior to the strike, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation-Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (BMC MARD) met with senior officials of the civic body, hoping to address long-standing concerns regarding resident doctors. Issues discussed included the National Medical Commission (NMC) leave policy, tuition fee waivers, stipend improvements, and better hostel conditions.

BMC Discussions and Continued Protests

During the recent discussions, BMC MARD met with Deputy Municipal Commissioner Sharad Ughade and highlighted several pressing issues. Although the government assured representatives that their concerns would be presented to the Chief Minister, no significant agreements or written assurances emerged from the meeting.

Following these discussions, BMC MARD decided to escalate their protest by suspending various routine medical services in BMC hospitals beginning August 6. The services that were withdrawn included outpatient department (OPD) services, routine inpatient department (IPD) services, and elective surgeries among others. However, critical services such as emergency care and trauma assistance would remain unaffected to ensure patient safety.

MARD reiterated its key demands throughout the protests, which included an immediate halt to the registration of CCMP-qualified BHMS practitioners and stronger legislation to prohibit non-allopathic practitioners from engaging in practices outside their expertise. They also called for urgent resolutions regarding ongoing issues faced by BMC resident doctors, such as the new leave policy, tuition fee waivers, and improved campus facilities.

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