To protest the “state government’s apathy,” doctors in Maharashtra state have declared that they will go on a token strike on Friday towards their security concerns. As in the last two weeks in Malad and Chembur areas of Mumbai and at Beed and Akola in Maharashtra, four attacks have been taken place where medical practitioners have been assaulted

Doctors from IMA, General Physicians Association, Association of surgeons, Association of Medical Consultants, doctors practicing Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Unani will take out a silent march from the Government Dental College to the Collector’s office.

Doctors will only handle emergencies and the OPD will not function. President of IMA-Maharashtra, Dr. Devendra Shirole said, “While emergency care will be available, doctors will not be available for OPD and consultation in any hospital. Even general practitioners will not be available at clinics.”  

IMA-Maharashtra representing over 22,000 doctors has asked for an enforced ordinance that will make attacks on doctors a non bailable offence. This ordinance is already exist in other states like Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Delhi etc. Dr. Panjabi said, “Despite several requests, there has been no move to introduce the promised legislation making assaults on doctors a non-bailable offence. Our demand is to pass the bill along with approval Rs 50,000 fine to the offenders.”

“Last December deputy chief minister RR Patil assured us that the ordinance will come in 15 days, its been eight months now yet no law is in place. We revisited him soon after the Malad incident. He gave us a spoken assurance that the bill will come through in next assembly meeting,” he added.

Dr. Devendra said, “All doctors have agreed to participate in the strike as safety issues concern all of us. We also have a right to work in a safe environment.”