A major healthcare disruption looms over Maharashtra as the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has officially announced an indefinite statewide strike starting from the midnight of August 5. Because of this drastic decision, OPD services across major government medical institutions in Mumbai, including KEM, Sion, Nair, and JJ hospitals, along with all state-run medical colleges, will remain shut on Wednesday. However, emergency services will continue to function normally to ensure critical patients are not left unattended.
The core catalyst behind this strike is the process initiated by the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) to grant registration and authorization for writing modern medicines to Ayurveda and homeopathy practitioners holding BHMS degrees, following the completion of a six-month Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP). Resident doctors have strongly opposed this regulatory move.
Core Demands Raised by MARD
MARD stated that despite multiple rounds of formal discussions with the state government regarding this policy, no satisfactory assurance was provided to them. The organization pointed out that the matter is currently sub judice in court, and implementing such a policy without establishing a clear legal and regulatory framework is unfair to patient safety. Consequently, MARD has demanded that the BHMS-CCMP registration process be put on immediate hold until the court delivers its final verdict. Additionally, the association has called for the resolution of long-pending grievances concerning resident doctors across the state.
What Stays Open and What Shuts Down
According to the association, during the first 24 hours of the strike on August 5, emergency and casualty services will remain active to prevent severe hardships for critical patients. However, OPD services, routine hospital duties, elective surgeries, and academic activities will remain completely suspended. If the government fails to arrive at a positive solution, emergency services will also be completely halted starting August 6, with all resident doctors joining the indefinite strike.
Not Against Any Medical System
MARD has clarified that their agitation is not directed against any particular medical system or its practitioners. Instead, the protest is aimed strictly at safeguarding patient well-being, upholding rigorous scientific standards, and ensuring proper adherence to legal procedures. On Wednesday morning following 10 AM, resident doctors across state-run medical colleges in Mumbai, including KEM, Sion, Nair, and JJ hospitals, will gather to officially commence their agitation.
