The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation-Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (BMC MARD) has declared an escalation of its protest at BMC hospitals after meetings with municipal and state health officials did not lead to satisfactory resolutions regarding their demands. On August 6, the association articulated its dissatisfaction with the responses received during discussions held earlier in the week.

Delegates from the association, led by representatives of the BMC, engaged with Deputy Municipal Commissioner for Public Health, Sharad Ughade, to address long-standing issues impacting resident doctors. Among these issues were aspects such as the National Medical Commission’s leave policy, tuition fee waivers, stipend enhancements, and improvements in hostel and canteen facilities.

Following the initial discussions, BMC officials conveyed that these matters would be referred to relevant authorities for consideration. However, the association reported that no concrete decisions or written commitments emerged from the discussions, leading to the announcement of intensified protest measures.

Withdrawal of Routine Medical Services Implemented

As a direct consequence of the unsuccessful negotiations, BMC MARD revealed that it would suspend various routine medical services across BMC hospitals starting from August 6. This decision encompasses the cessation of routine outpatient department (OPD) services, inpatient department (IPD) services, as well as the suspension of elective surgeries and procedures.

The critical nature of this action also includes the withdrawal of Central Laboratory services and Fever OPD services, which are essential for patient care. The association made it clear that while these routine services will be withdrawn, emergency and critical healthcare services would continue uninterrupted.

Emergency services, including trauma care, intensive care units (ICUs), labour rooms, emergency surgeries, lifesaving procedures, and Emergency Laboratory (E-Lab) services, will remain operational to ensure patient safety and access to necessary medical attention.

Key Demands of the Association Highlighted

The BMC MARD reiterated its critical demands during the protest, which include the immediate suspension of the Maharashtra Medical Council registration for CCMP-qualified BHMS practitioners. The association seeks to enforce legislation that prohibits non-allopathic practitioners from practicing cross-pathy, addressing concerns regarding professional standards and patient safety.

In addition, the association called for prompt resolution of outstanding issues that affect BMC resident doctors. This encompasses the implementation of the new leave policy, the exemption of tuition fees, as well as enhancements to hostel facilities and the quality of food services in canteens.

Furthermore, the organisation emphasised the necessity for improved campus security, which is a significant concern among the resident doctors. These ongoing issues, if not addressed satisfactorily, are expected to fuel the agitation and could potentially lead to further disruptions in healthcare services across the municipal hospitals.

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