In a significant development, resident doctors in Maharashtra have decided to conclude their indefinite strike after receiving assurances from the state government. The government has committed to increasing their stipend by Rs 10,000, effective March 1, raising the monthly stipend to Rs 90,000.
The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) released a statement on Sunday, officially announcing the suspension of the strike and the return of resident doctors to their respective duties. The statement expressed gratitude to the state government for addressing their demands and implementing the promised stipend increment.
President of MARD, Dr Abhijit Helge, acknowledged the proactive measures taken by the government to fulfill commitments made to both Central MARD and resident doctors across the state. The stipend hike, set to improve the financial, mental, and social well-being of individual resident doctors, is expected to collectively boost their morale.
Approximately 8,000 resident doctors, including 350 from B J Government Medical College and Sassoon Hospital in Pune, participated in the indefinite strike that commenced on February 22. Their demands encompassed the need for new hostels, repairs to existing ones, regularization of stipend payments, and the crucial Rs 10,000 stipend hike.
Dr Helge credited the swift actions of state office bearers for ensuring the official execution of demands, emphasizing the unity and active participation within the fraternity of resident doctors that led to this unprecedented victory.
Dr Nikhil Gattani, president of MARD at BJ Government Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, told Punekar News, “Besides the stipend hike, we will be getting 50 rooms in the new 11 storied building for resident doctors hostel.”
During the strike, senior doctors in Mumbai reported the postponement of non-emergency surgeries. While queues lengthened, and services experienced delays, no patients were turned away due to the absence of resident doctors.
With the OPD devoid of resident doctors, senior doctors, honorary staff, and interns took on the increased workload. Despite longer wait times, patients received efficient care, ensuring examinations, prescription of medicines, and the continuity of emergency services without disruption.
