The resident doctors across Maharashtra government hospitals have decided to go on an indefinite strike from Thursday over demands made to the state government.
The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors Central (MARD) in a statement released on Wednesday said that it will go on a statewide indefinite strike from 5 pm on February 22.
"We the Central MARD, the Representative body of Resident doctors across the state are deeply disappointed with the lack of seriousness on the authority's part in fulfilling the promises that were made to the resident doctors of the state of Maharashtra. Despite the assurances of fulfilling our demands within 2 DAYS it seems no progress been made even after 2 WEEKS," a statement released by MARD said on Wednesday.
However, emergency services will remain operational to ensure the provision of essential medical care to the people during the strike, a report in ANI said.
The doctors decided to go on an indefinite strike after the state government did not meet their various demands including a hike in stipend and better accommodation facilities.
"Around 8,000 resident doctors across the state will be on strike, demanding better hostel accommodation, a hike in stipend, and clearance of arrears," Dr Abhijit Helge, the President of MARD said.
The doctors planned an indefinite strike across the state on February 7 demanding better hostel accommodation, hike in stipend and clearance of arrears. However, they temporarily suspended their agitation following assurances from Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and others.
"We the Central MARD, had kept our faith in the Government's words and called off our strike multiple times previously despite the distressing situation of resident doctors, the benefit of doubt was always given to the authority and we entrusted them to do the right thing in timely manner to ensure welfare of Resident doctors," the statement added.