Maharashtra Resident Doctors Strike Over Safety Issues Post Kolkata Tragedy

Resident doctors in Maharashtra have started an indefinite strike in support of their colleagues nationwide, following the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee at a medical college in Kolkata. All elective services in hospitals have been halted, but emergency services continue uninterrupted. The strike was initiated to demand improved safety measures for healthcare workers.

Resident doctors in Maharashtra began an indefinite strike on Tuesday, aligning with nationwide protests after the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee at a Kolkata medical college.

All elective services in hospitals across the state have ceased, though emergency services remain unaffected, according to Dr. Pratik Debaje, president of the Maharashtra State Association of Resident Doctors (Central-MARD).

The protests, intensified by the safety concerns of junior doctors and healthcare workers, saw significant participation from multiple hospitals, including Pune's BJ Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, where 450 resident doctors joined the strike. Key demands include the transfer of the case to the CBI and enhanced security measures, such as functional CCTVs and improved on-call rooms. An overarching call for justice has led the Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA) to extend its indefinite strike, pending government response.

(With inputs from agencies.)