News Summary
Over 2,500 resident doctors in Mumbai have begun an indefinite work suspension following the tragic murder of a colleague. The protests, led by BMC-MARD, focus on the need for better safety measures and adequate healthcare working conditions. Key demands include the appointment of a central agency for investigation and reforms for security in medical institutions. Amid concerns over long working hours and salary disparities, the ongoing protests highlight the urgent need for systemic changes within the medical field to ensure the well-being of healthcare professionals.
Mumbai – Over 2,500 resident doctors from civic and state-run hospitals in Mumbai have initiated an indefinite work suspension in response to the tragic sexual assault and murder of a colleague in Kolkata. This unrest comes after the assault, which occurred on August 9, involving a postgraduate trainee at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, who was attacked following a grueling 36-hour shift.
The protests, organized by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation-Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (BMC-MARD), have been marked by powerful slogans such as ‘Her Pain, Our Voice’ and ‘Justice Delayed is Justice Denied.’ The doctors are advocating for several crucial demands including the appointment of a central agency to investigate the case and the establishment of a Central Protection Act aimed at safeguarding healthcare workers.
Safety concerns have prompted these medical professionals to call for an urgent audit of security measures in medical institutions, accompanied by a representative from MARD during the evaluation process. Additionally, they are demanding a thorough review of hospital surveillance systems to ensure proper monitoring and security for healthcare staff.
Among the concerns raised, female resident doctors have specifically highlighted the dangers of their working conditions due to long hours and inadequate security measures. Amidst the protests, senior resident doctors have continued to provide care in hospitals, ensuring that emergency services were maintained despite the suspension of work.
However, many elective surgeries have been postponed, allowing only emergency procedures to go ahead as part of the alternative arrangements in hospitals during the protests. Resident doctors have also expressed discontent over salary disparities. Although the Maharashtra government previously approved a stipend increase for senior resident doctors to Rs 95,000 per month, many are still receiving outdated stipends of approximately Rs 64,000 to Rs 66,000, primarily due to non-compliance.
The financial struggles faced by these resident doctors are significant, as they report spending over half their salaries on rent, which greatly affects their daily lives and ability to support their families. Moreover, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the United Doctors Front (UDF) in the Supreme Court has raised issues regarding non-compliance with 1992 guidelines that mandate work hour limits for resident doctors.
The 1992 Uniform Residency Scheme prescribes a maximum of 12 hours of continuous duty per day and no more than 48 hours of work per week. Despite these guidelines, reports indicate that resident doctors are clocking 70 to 100 hours each week due to lax enforcement by the National Medical Council (NMC). This systemic problem has resulted in severe repercussions, including the tragic suicide of 122 medical students between 2018 and 2022, as well as over 1,100 postgraduate students who have dropped out, highlighting the mental health crisis exacerbated by overwhelming work hours.
Concerns persist regarding the medical establishment’s indifference to long duty hours, as past instances have led to grievous outcomes. A recent online survey conducted among MBBS interns and PG residents underscores the alarming working conditions, revealing a high rate of suicides and attrition among medical students.
In addition to safety concerns, resident doctors are advocating for the establishment of a grievance redressal cell aimed at addressing issues such as caste discrimination faced by marginalized communities within the medical profession. In a related development, the Maharashtra government has canceled over 500 Medical Officers’ appointments due to failure to join within a stipulated timeframe, following an extended recruitment process.
As the protests continue, the need for systemic reform in the medical field becomes increasingly urgent. Resident doctors are standing firm in their demands for justice and better working conditions, amidst significant concerns for their safety and well-being as they serve on the front lines of healthcare.
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Additional Resources
- Edex Live: Mumbai’s Senior Resident Doctors Say They’re Underpaid
- Wikipedia: Healthcare in India
- Financial Express: Who is Dr. Omkar Kavitake?
- Google Search: Resident Doctors Protests Mumbai
- Hindustan Times: 2500 Resident Doctors Strike Work
- Google Scholar: Resident Doctors Work Conditions India
- Indian Express: Maharashtra Cancels 500 Doctor Appointments
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Resident Doctors Rights
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