Following the Mumbai High Court directive to the state government for ensuring security and proper working conditions for resident doctors, the striking resident doctors who are in talks with the chief minister Devendra Fadnavis rue that law governing protection to doctors against violence has not been implemented as yet even though it was enacted six years ago.

Doctors have demanded strict implementation of the Maharashtra Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage of Property) Act, 2009. The protesters expressed displeasure over the fact that attacks on doctors continue till date even though the Act was enacted in 2010.
 
Taking forward its demand for better security and working conditions, which has been festering for long, resident doctors who are now spearheading a state wide strike have justified their actions saying that they are working in very poor, sub-human conditions, with lack of proper accommodation, lack of proper nutrition and heavy work load.

Confusion over the strike status of resident doctors continues since the strike started on March 20, 2017 despite the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) saying that it had appealed to the 3,400 striking doctors across the state to resume work. The development came after a Bombay high court direction and an appeal from the chief minister.

Rues a senior doctor, “The working conditions of the resident doctors have not improved at all in last 3 to 4 decades in spite of repeated agitations, on behalf of resident doctors, and promises by the authorities, at all levels, to make necessary improvements.”

A large number of patients come to general hospitals with advanced medical, surgical problems, due to late referral on part of the relatives or referring doctors. Such patients may not recover in spite of all possible efforts with the available facilities and infrastructure at the disposal of the doctors. This also creates ill will and belligerent attitude of relatives, leading to volatile situations.

“Most of the incidents happen in late night, when there is skeletal staff and the over worked doctor and nurses have to cope-up with large number of emergencies. At the first hint of some serious problem in any patient, suddenly a large number of patient’s relatives with local “social workers” materialize ganging up on the hospital staff. Where do these good Samaritans disappear whenever there is need for blood donation, need for urgent medicines for the patient?,” says a city based gynaecologist.

There is very inadequate security provided for the medical, para-medical staff in general hospitals. Why can’t effective security be provided for doctors if other public servants like judiciary, politicians and other establishments like industries, offices etc. are provided with security cover? The doctors can give their 100% attention and expertise if their working environment is safe and peaceful, the doctor concludes.