Mahrahstra's resident doctors will begin an imdefinite strike from Aug. 5 onwards, according to NDTV. The medical practitioners will shutter Outpatient Department (OPD) services at government hospitals on Aug. 5, and shut down emergency services from Aug. 6 onwards.
The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) announced the aforementioned strike, which will start from midnight on Aug. 5. The OPD services at major government hospitals in Mumbai, including KEM, Sion, Nair, and J.J. Hospital, along with government medical colleges across Maharashtra, will remain closed on Wednesday. Emergency services, however, will continue until Thursday.
ALSO READ: Hidden Stress Of Healthcare: When Patients Get Caught Between Hospitals, Insurers
The association called the strike in protest against the Maharashtra Medical Council's (MMC) decision to allow BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) doctors who complete the six-month Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP) to prescribe modern medicines and obtain registration.
As per MARD, emergency and casualty services will remain operational during the first 24 hours of the strike on Aug. 5 to minimise inconvenience to critically ill patients. This does not apply to OPD services, routine duties, elective surgeries, and academic activities which will remain entirely suspended.
If the government fails to provide a satisfactory resolution, MARD has warned that emergency services will also be withdrawn from Aug. 6, with resident doctors continuing the indefinite strike.
ALSO READ: FSSAI Suspends Dior Pharmaceuticals' Licence After Nutraceutical Unit Inspection
The Indian Medical Association (IMA), supported by MARD had announced a 24 hour withdrawal of medical services on Aug. 4. As per reports, the IMA undertook this move due to the aforementioned registration proposal of providing Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) registration to homeopathy practitioners.
IMA Mahrashtra's President Dr Santosh Kulkarni described the move as "compromising the standards, integrity and scientific foundation of modern medicine, with potentially serious long-term consequences for public health and patient safety," as per reports.
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.