BackMaharashtra’s striking doctors call off strike, to resume services today
Nearly 4,000 Maharashtra resident doctors have been on strike since Monday, demanding enhanced security in the wake of a string of attacks by patients' relatives
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Mumbai: The resident doctors in Maharashtra who were on strike since Monday protesting cases of assault against the fraternity and demanding better security at government hospitals have called off their strike. Nearly 40,000 doctors are expected to return to work today after the Indian Medical Association called off its strike, according to CNN-News18.
Earlier on Thursday, the doctors were asked by the Bombay high court to resume work. The court also directed the Devendra Fadnavis government to provide adequate security at government hospitals.
The five day strike has nearly crippled services at government hospitals across the state, prompting Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to warn of legal action against striking doctors.
Describing the attitude of striking doctors as “adamant" and “insensitive", Fadnavis gave them an ultimatum to resume duties after his meet with their representatives today afternoon.
Making a statement in the Legislative Assembly, Fadnavis said, “Enough is enough. If the doctors fail to resume work today, government will not sit quietly. We cannot leave the patients to die. I am making a final attempt to break the deadlock today by meeting the doctors’ representatives. If no solution is found and doctors don’t resume work, they should be prepared to face legal action."
Fadnavis said he failed to understand the “insensitive" attitude of doctors of leaving patients to die.
“What is the difference between anti-social tendencies who beat up doctors and the doctors themselves who take oath to treat ill people. I am surprised at the adamant stand of the doctors despite assuring that the government fully supports their demand," he said adding that the doctors have disregarded the directives of the High Court.
“People consider doctors to be like a God. They shouldn’t wait to be referred to as demons. What kind of politics is being done," he asked.
Fadnavis said among their demands that have been accepted, include security audit of hospitals and access control to OPD, casualty and other wards. The demand for armed security guards has also been accepted.
He also said that government has promised free legal and medical aid to doctors in case of an attack and they will be treated as government servants.
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