Strike enters fourth day as Mah docs defy govt warning

Mumbai: Health care services remained crippled in the city for the fourth consecutive day as resident doctors continued their stir today despite warning of suspension and pay cut by the government across various hospitals in Maharashtra. Nearly 4,000 resident doctors have been striking since Monday, demanding enhanced security in the wake of a string of attacks on doctors by patients’ relatives at government hospitals across the state.

The meeting was held between Maharashtra Medical Education and representatives of doctors' association last evening, despite the doctors have declined to call off their strike. An action has been initiated against the doctor under Essential Commodity Act. At least 300 doctors were suspended. The government asked them to start work by 2000 hrs yesterday. The civic authorities in Mumbai have served notices to more than 1,000 doctors.

Among them are 350 doctors from Sion hospital, where a doctor was attacked by a patient's relatives. Earlier on Tuesday, the High Court has also ordered striking doctors to resume on duty with immediate effect. It also asked doctors to give some time to the government for providing them proper security.

During the hearing of petition, Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors, in an affidavit in the court, said that they're ready to go on duty but want surety of safety from government & administration. The court also ordered government to provide security at government hospitals for doctors, so they can work without fear. The court will hear the matter after 15 days. (UNI)