Maharashtra resident doctors end stir after CM assurances on security, working conditions

Resident doctors in Maharashtra withdrew their agitation on Thursday following the state government's assurances to take measures for their security, 10 days after they struck work demanding better workplace conditions in the wake of the brutal rape and murder of a trainee medico in Kolkata.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured resident doctors that measures would be taken with utmost sensitivity about their security at workplace. Following the assurance, the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), which was spearheading the strike after the August 9 Kolkata rape-murder horror, announced calling off their agitation, an official release said here.

During the strike, the resident doctors, who sought speedy justice for the family of the Kolkata victim, stayed away from attending non-emergency medical services at public hospitals in the state.

Shinde also assured positive action on their demands for availability of hostels and regular payment of stipend, said the release.

Directing a comprehensive review of the security of resident medical officers at all state government medical colleges and hospitals, Shinde asked authorities to appoint police officers for coordination in this regard.

The CM asked the administration to give priority to resident doctors' accommodation and hostels and regular payment of stipends, said the release.

The Central MARD along with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) MARD, the association of resident doctors in the metropolis, had a meeting with Shinde about their various demands.

Both the associations announced they are calling off their ongoing strike after positive approach by the Chief Minister and his decisions in respect of their demands. The association presidents and their delegates present for the meeting announced after blood donation at a camp the strike would be called off.

Stating that resident medical officers are offering their service without any expectation at hospitals attached to government medical colleges, Shinde said it is necessary to take measures about their security and accommodation by taking in to account importance of their work.