Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors

A successful strike concludes

2006-03-11T01:41:00.000+05:30

Finally, our 12 day strike has been called off. The negotiating parties have reached an agreement. The Government has agreed to all our demands and we will be joining duties from tomorrow 8 AM (those in Mumbai) and within 24 hours (in other parts Maharashtra).

In this momentous occassion, we would like to thank all of those who have helped us or supported us; the people, the various associations, fellow residents from all over India... all of you.

Thank you.

IMPORTANT - The Strike is not called off (yet)

2006-03-10T23:07:00.000+05:30

We have just got information from the CENTRAL MARD in Mantralaya that the strike has NOT been called off (as reported by TV channels and websites) yet.

Report on March 9, 2006

2006-03-09T23:32:00.000+05:30

Report on the 11^th day of Strike – Press Release

March 9^th 2006,
10.00 pm

The 11^th day of our strike was very successful but the Government failed on the negotiation front. All over the state, the parallel OPDs are running successfully. The only setback was at Bandra Bhabha where a possibility of future legal intervention prevented the housing society to lend their place for our purpose. A blood donation camp was organized in KEM with over 50 donors participating to our call.

All over India, ‘Black Day’ was observed successfully confirming the unity of the medical fraternity. A one-day strike was held in the GTB hospital, New Delhi in response to the incident of a fellow resident being manhandled.

Support flowed in from all corners of the country adding to the lakhs of people supporting the just cause of the doctors.

Maharashtra Nurses Association, Nanded
Medical Lecturers Association, Nanded
Bhartiya Mahathma Mission Shramik Rugnalayin Karmachari Sanghatana, Aurangabad.
Autochalak Malak Sangh, Aurangabad
Goa Association of Resident Doctors, Goa
Federation of Medical Representative Association of India.
Mumbai Study Group
Mumbai People’s Action Committee
Nivara Hakk Suraksha Samithi
Forum Against Oppression of Women
Nirbhay Bano Andolan
Girni Kamgar Sangarsh Samitee
Focus on the Global South – India
National Alliance of People’s Movements
INITIATIVE
Young Professional’s Collective
All India Bank Officer’s Association

There was another discussion between the Government and our representatives. Unfortunately, it failed yet again as they were not willing to all of our demands.

A grand General Body Meeting was held in the premises of JJ hospital. All the issues and developments were put across to 2, 000 resident doctors gathered. We reached a consensus that we will not bend till every single demand is met. It was also decided to increase the number of representatives in the negotiation committee to 13 for better representation.

CENTRAL MARD

Subject: Reply to data on the stipend situation circulated by Honourable Director Dr. Tayde.

2006-03-09T12:48:00.000+05:30

The stalemate between the government and the resident doctors has come to a situation where the authorities are resorting to desperate measures. This includes projecting figures, which are completely misleading. Initially they were playing with the figures of OPD and emergency patient attendance. When that gimmick fell flat on its face, they have come up with an outrageous list of stipends being given to the residents in other states. Infact the stipend for JR1 in Maharashtra in a BMC hospital is Rs 8,340 as against the mentioned Rs 9063. To complete the reality check we asked the residents of other states to send in the actual figures. Of the figures that became available to us we come to the conclusion that stipend-wise Maharashtra ranks 17th out of the 23 states/institutions whose data reached us. Also fee structure-wise Maharashtra ranks 7th out of those 23. Note that Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Assam, which offer lower stipend, have regulated 8 to 10 hours working duties. They don't have to stay in the campus after the stipulated working hours.

This gimmick of the government still drives us away from what we have been saying all along. In order to combat with the poor doctor patient ratio in our state, we have to attract medicos from not only within the state but also all over the country. This can be done with better security, good housing, regulated working hours, MCI recognition to PG courses, moderate fees, reasonable stipend and access to library all day around. Please note that the points mentioned in the single line above are all the demands made by the MARD. Is this too much to ask? What are we trying to achieve anyway by hollow comparisons without addressing the actual problem?

CENTRAL MARD
Due to the problems in the table layout, I've put the comparison as an image. You can download the file as a MSWord document here.

Computer down again

2006-03-08T22:50:00.000+05:30

Unfortunately, the internet is down once again. Today's update has been posted. But the rest of the details may not be put until the connection is back up again.

Sorry.

Report on the 10th day of strike - Press Release

2006-03-08T22:44:00.000+05:30

8th of March, 2006, 7.00 pm

The statewide strike rolled on to its tenth day with the stalemate between the residents and the government at status quo. In the meantime residents all over the state have continued their efforts to run parallel OPDs for the common public. The details are as follows:

In Mumbai, parallel OPDs of all the three colleges are running successfully.
Rajawadi started parallel OPDs and attended to around 202 patients on the 1st day itself. They also started an antenatal OPD, which was held in the afternoon.Bandra Bhabha Hospital attended to around 100 patients.
BJMC & Sasoon Hospital, Pune served to around 200 patients along with 10 voluntary Blood donations.
GMC Nagpur took care of around 100 patients on the 1st day of parallel OPD.
IGMC Nagpur organized a march of 250 resident doctors who distributed 2000 pamphlets to raise awareness in the general public regarding the pathetic condition of the resident doctors and their demands.
A rally of 200 was organized in Miraj.
Residents of Ambejogai are conducting a candle march as a mark of silent protest.
GMC Aurangabad got the highest number of patients with around 650 turning up.
A Human chain of around 2500 was formed in Azad Maidan, which was followed by a candle march. Dr. Aditi Govitrikar has supported our cause by attending the candle march.

A dharna was held at Rajghat in protest against the Government’s stand against the doctors. Residents from all over India are observing a “Black Day’ tomorrow expressing their solidarity with us. Dr. Binod Partho, president of RDA AIIMS has confirmed that in rotation, every medical college in New Delhi will be going on a token strike, starting at GTB Hospital from tomorrow. How ironic it is, when we are preparing this report that news is filtering from New Delhi about an assault on one of our colleagues working in GTB Hospital by a patients relatives.
CENTRAL MARD

List of Supporters (updated regularly)

2006-03-08T10:30:00.000+05:30

List of Supporters

updated at 7 pm, 10th of March, 2006

(In Addition to support from UG students and Interns from all over Maharashtra)

National

Indian Medical Association (IMA), Central Delhi branch.
Resident Doctors Association (RDA), AIIMS New Delhi.
Indian Medical Association (IMA), Mumbai.
Federation of resident Doctors association (FORDA), New Delhi.
Junior Doctors Medical association M.P.
Post Graduate Association Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram.(Kerala)
Lokaraj Sangathan, New Delhi
Junior Doctors Association, Bangalore Medical College, Bangalore. (Karnataka).
Association of resident Doctors V.S.S.M.C., Burla (Orrissa).
Junior doctors Medical association, Jabalpur (M.P.).
Medical Services Centre, Kolkata.
Lokshahi Hakka Sanghatana.
Andhra Pradesh Junior Doctor Association, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh).
Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited. (MTNL).
Medical service centre, National sociomedical voluntary organisation.
Junior Doctor association, B J Medical College, Ahmedabad.
Post Graduate students association, M.K.C.G.M.C., Behrampur.
Medical college students union, Kolkata.
Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
Rajasthan Assocition of Resident Doctors.
Indian Medical Association, Kochi.
Residents Doctors Assocition , Rohtak.
Junior Doctors Assocition, RIMS,Jharkhand.
Residents Doctors Association, Banaras Hindu University, UP
Junior Doctors Association, GMC, Amristar
Goa Association of Resident Doctors, Goa
Federation of Medical Representative Association of India.
Focus on the Global South – India
National Alliance of People's Movements
INITIATIVE
Young Professional's Collective
All India Bank Officer's Association

Mumbai

Association of Medical Consultants Mumbai
General Practitioners association Greater Bombay
Nirbhaya Kamgar Sena.Mumbai.
ENT Society of Bombay
Bombay Psychiatry Society
Association of Medical Consultants, Mumbai
Bombay Hospital Residents Association, Mumbai
Communist Party of india (CPI), Mumbai Council
Bombay Orthopaedic Society (BOS)
Resident Doctors Association, Holy Spirit Hospital
Resident Doctors Association, Nanavati Hospital
Law Associates.
Association of Hospitals, Mumbai
Mumbai People's Action Committee

Maharashtra

Indian Medical association branch Pune.
Physio-Occupational Therapy students association of Maharashtra.1 March2006
Maharashtra association of Gazzetted medical officers (MAGMO)
MARD dental Faculty (St George dental college)
Indian Medical association Nashik
Parents association of Medical Association
Maharashtra Nursing Federation.
Center of Indian Trade Unions, Maharasthra state
Citizen’s committee, Lokshahi Hakk Sanghatana, Maharashtra.
Indian Medical Assocition,Aurangabad.
Indian Medical Association, Nanded
Bauddha Seva Sangh
Maharashtra Nurses Association, Nanded
Medical Lecturers Association, Nanded
Bhartiya Mahathma Mission Shramik Rugnalayin Karmachari Sanghatana, Aurangabad.
Autochalak Malak Sangh, Aurangabad
Nivara Hakk Suraksha Samithi
Forum Against Oppression of Women
Nirbhay Bano Andolan
Girni Kamgar Sangarsh Samitee

( …………………………. and increasing day by day, hour by hour)

Badge logo

2006-03-08T10:28:00.000+05:30

This is the draft proposed for the badge that MARD is going to come up with.

Report on the 9th day of strike - Press Release

2006-03-08T10:20:00.000+05:30

Report on the 9th day of Strike – Press Release

10.00 pm
7th March, 2006

On the 9th day of our ongoing strike, the situation remains the same. The adamant Government is not only complying to any our demands, but has also resorted to other means like negative publicity in order to misguide the public and malign our image. On this momentous day, the residents of JJ Hospital launched a dedicated website (www.mard.org.in) for MARD.

In Mumbai, our efforts to enlighten the public about our cause were continued through protest marches and street plays. ‘Black flag marches’ were held in all the major hospitals. Street plays were organised by the resident doctors of KEM (Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel), Nair (Agripada, Tardeo, Girgaon) and Sion (in the vicinity of their premises), all of these receiving a warm and enthusiastic response. This perhaps reflects the swing in public opinion in our favour, despite the efforts of the authorities against us. A unique ‘Bag march’ was conducted in the Nair hospital as a protest to the forced eviction of residents at the Bhagwati Hospital, Borivili. Candle light marches were organised in many hospitals all over Maharashtra continued to throw light into the issues, the testimony being a whopping 900 medicos who participated in Pune.

The concept of the ‘Parallel OPDs’ has caught up in the peripheral hospitals in Mumbai as well as the rest of Maharashtra. The figures reflect the tremendous faith of public in us completely contrary to Government’s claims. For eg. Bandra Bhabha - 110 patients, Aurangabad – 625 patients, Solapur – 350 patients etc. All rumors regarding the calling off of the strike in Solapur were proved spurious and in fact, the nursing staff and class IV workers have expressed their moral support with us. Blood donation camps were held in Nagpur, Aurangabad. The opportunity to conduct one in KEM was denied by the authorities. An eye-donation registration camp was held in IGMC Nagpur where 135 donors were registered.

The wave of protest crossed the borders of our state as evidenced by the ‘Black badge Day’ observed in the AIIMS and the rest of the national capital. The resident doctors have even Gujrat offered to join the strike but we have asked them to stall the decision for the time being.

Support letters were received from the following
• Citizen’s committee, Lokshahi Hakk Sanghatana, Maharashtra.
• Indian Medical Assocition,Aurangabad.
• Association of Hospitals, Mumbai
• Rajasthan Assocition of Resident Doctors.
• Indian Medical Association, Kochi (Kerala)
• Residents Doctors Assocition , Rohtak (Haryana)
• Junior Doctors Assocition, RIMS, Jharkhand.
• Bauddha Seva Sangh
• Students Federation of India
• Democratic Youth Federation of India
• Bharatiya Kranti Sena, Maharashtra

IMA and CENRAL MARD representatives in New Delhi plan a meeting tomorrow. A ‘Human Chain’ and ‘Candle march’ are planned at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan tomorrow evening starting at 4 pm. The wave of protest will be strengthened by a nation wide ‘Black Day’ on Thursday. Doctors from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana, PGI, West Bengal, Assam, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have vowed for support. Hopefully, these will help to open the eyes and ears of the authorities who have failed to recognize the justness in our demands.

CENTRAL MARD

NDTV article - PIL against striking doctors

2006-03-08T02:59:00.001+05:30

I don't know how much of this is true - a PIL has been filed in the Nagpur HC against the resident doctors.

No Commments

Technical problems

2006-03-08T02:59:00.000+05:30

The internet connection has crashed in the MARD Office, KEM. Therefore, the updates are not properly done for yesterday night and today. We are trying to get this sorted out.

News update - Courtesy MARD Today

2006-03-08T02:54:00.000+05:30

98% Public Support Us! – On an Opinion Poll on Radio Mirchi, the listeners were asked what they thought about the termination and eviction notices. An overwhelming 98% replies favoured doctors saying that the authorities were wrong in taking such harsh action.

Doctors Evicted! – 33 residents from Bhagwati hospital were evicted from their rooms as a follow-up to the termination notice. The authorities continued their ‘Divide-and-Rule’ policy by targeting a few residents at a time. However, this action has backfired with the strike becoming more intense and the public increasingly questioning the Government’s attitude.

AMC To The Rescue – The Association of Medical Consultants has stepped in in support of the evicted residents and provided them with food and shelter.

“We Have Packed Our Bags” – The residents of Nair Hospital organized a ‘Bag Protest’ in which they demonstrated with their bags in a show of solidarity with the Bhagwati residents. It was also a message to the authorities that the residents will continue the strike despite the threat of eviction.

Eye Donation Camp – Residents of IGMC, Nagpur organized an Eye Donation Camp in which 127 residents pledged their eyes. In addition, 15 units of blood were collected.

Parallel OPD In Aurangabad - Resident doctors of GMC Aurangabad conducted a parallel OPD on Tuesday outside their hospital campus which had an overwhelming response of around 500 patients. But they were forced to evacuate the premises by the police officials. No incidences of violence were reported.

Candle March & Blood Donation Camp - Resident doctors of GMC Aurangabad protested against the Government’s indifferent attitude towards the resident doctors by carrying out a candle light march silently inside their hospital campus. They also plan to conduct a blood donation camp on Wednesday.

Parallel OPD In Bandra Bhabha Hospital - Parallel OPD has been started by the resident doctors of the Bandra Bhabha hospital. Around 101 patients had already reported till yesterday afternoon. Patients were given free drugs. In the ENT OPD, the resident removed a foreign body from the ear of a patient!

Parallel OPD in GMC Nagpur – GMC Nagpur has started Parallel OPD. Thus residents of GMC, Nagpur have become completely involved in the strike immediately after joining it.

Black Flag March – JJ Hospital residents conducted a march with black flags in the residents’ hands in protest against the Government. The March ended with an excellent street play. Parallel OPDs continued in JJ with nearly 350 patients receiving care today.

Protest March Disallowed - A democratic protest march was organized at KEM hospital where more than 350 doctors protested against the Government’s stand. But the march had to be called off as the permission was denied by both the authorities as well as the Dean. A similar protest march in Sion Hospital was also disallowed by the authorities.

Taking The Message To The Public – KEM Hospital residents conducted a street play at Phoenix Mills thus continuing their efforts at public awareness.

Nair Residents Continue Activities – Nair Hospital residents conducted street plays at Agripada and Mumbai Central areas. They also displayed posters and distributed pamphlets among the people. At Girgaum Chowpatty, the Police interrupted the play citing security reasons. Many members of the crowd openly objected to the Police actions.

The Seniors Are With Us – Senior faculty members of DY PATIL Medical College demonstrated their support by wearing black bands today.

Suggestions: The strike is stronger than ever as we enter the 10th day today. How can we intensify it further? Please send your suggestions to mardtoday@gmail.com. Let’s exercise our brains and come up with innovative ideas!

Latest Updates

2006-03-07T13:59:00.000+05:30

12.00 pm - We are glad to announce that the Parallel OPD has been started by the resident doctors of the Bandra Bhabha hospital today. Up till now, 110 patients have reported.
1.30 pm - Protest March in KEM Hospital. More than 350 doctors openly protesting against the Government's stand.
2.00 pm - The march in KEM has to be called off as permission was denied by both the authorities and the Dean.

Misery of Medicos - an article

2006-03-06T23:11:00.000+05:30

Misery of Medicos

“Doctor – thou too?” was a news title in one of the marathi papers today. Our Medical Education Minister Mr. Suresh Shetty said, “I know, they are fighting for their rights but patient care is of utmost importance.”

What does this mean? Indirectly or directly the government has agreed that we are fighting for our basic rights. What about patients? If the government is so bothered about patients, why don’t they give a patient ear to us instead of threatening us about termination and deregistration; because our strike is for the betterment of the whole health system the basis of which is a patient. Last 6 days of residents’ strike has almost paralyzed the BMC and government hospitals. That just proves how important a ‘Resident Medical Doctor’ is in the health care system. Call him a student, call him a trainee, but ultimately he plays a very major role in patient care.

Wards and OPDs full of patients! Relatives waiting the corridors! After a sleepless night of emergency, an RMO starts his day again with exhausted body and mind. He still has to send blood samples of all newly admitted patients, send patients for references and other investigations, answer to patients’ and relatives’ queries every now and then. His breakfast is at 12 noon and his lunch is at 3 in the afternoon. After a days toil, he gets back to his room late in the night and finds three of his colleagues lying on two cots there. He throws himself on the ground and goes to sleep; again to get up early in the morning unless of course he is not called by the ward sister to attend a patient at midnight in which case he has to sleep in the ward *. With such mentally and physically exhausting workload, any agitation expressed by him out of frustration is rewarded by a physical assault.

At the age of 26-27, a resident has already spent 6-7 years in his medical education; but is still not capable of supporting his family and marriage is out of question for him! Because his monthly income is a meager 8000 in which he can hardly manage his fees, living expenses and books.

What we as residents want is adequate number of resident doctors and fair living conditions. But increasing the number of registered posts is a very tedious process which involves increase in the number of professors and associate professors as one teacher can take only one student at a time. A quicker solution would be to increase the number of unregistered posts in government hospitals open to all medical graduates. But unfortunately even the existing unregistered posts are vacant as medical graduates are not very keen on joining these posts since the pay they are offered in private hospitals is far more than what they can get in government hospitals.

If this workload gets shared the benefactors would not only be the doctors but also the patients who will receive much better service in government hospitals. But unfortunately there is little awareness about this fact in the society.

Aditi Pusalkar

Aditi Pusalkar works as a resident in the Dept. of Pharmacology in KEM.

(edited after suggestion by a reader - thank you!)

Doctors - Cream of the Society?

2006-03-06T23:01:00.000+05:30

The strike never gives pleasure to any doctor. For somebody who is used to working all days it is unthinkable to sit idle. But to ‘open the ears of the government, we need to drop the bombshell of a strike’; such a paradox that this line was used by Bhagat Singh in context to the British Government. It is sad that when we started the strike we were reminded of it. But it is the truth that our conditions have not changed over the past 40 years and neither have our demands, the reason being that the Government has never adequately address our issues.

The emotional blackmail can go on and on but our frustrations have reached a zenith. We are not going to cave in unless our demands are fulfilled and we have a solid proof of it. Did someone mention we are the creams of the society?

We would say the cream of society has been creamed off.

Report on the 8th day

2006-03-06T21:44:00.000+05:30

Report on the 8th day of Strike – Press Release

March 6th, 2006, 5.00 pm

The statewide strike of resident doctors has gone into its eighth day. The demands of the doctors & their resolve stay unchanged. The highlights of the day included

GMC Nagpur joining the strike and,
Non-registered candidates from GMC Nanded join the strike

A prayer for Mard - from the Nair Hospital's candle march - March 5, 2006

Candle marches were organized in various colleges in Mumbai at 7.30 pm yesterday (5th of March 2006). It was an attempt throw light into the issues, which have been in the dark for 40 years now. Handouts were distributed in suburban railway stations in Dadar, CST, Mumbai Central, GTB and Sion and in King’s Circle, Matunga. We achieved an overwhelming public response in our favour. Parallel OPD started at Bandra Bhabha hospital in Kurla.

An attempt throw light into the issues which have been in the dark for 40 years now - The candle march in KEM Hospital, March 5, 2006

The ‘Parallel OPDs’ continue to get enthusiastic response for the third day. An attempt to organize a blood donation camp by IGMC Nagpur was hampered by Government red tape.

In an attempt to replace the resident doctors, 24-hour walk-in interviews have been organized by the Government for the 70 odd ad-hoc posts. The response to this has been reported to be lukewarm, further strengthening our belief in the unity of the medical fraternity.

Meanwhile, support streamed in from all over India as usual.

Association of Medical Consultants (a body of about 5000 consultants from all over Maharashtra) is supporting our cause. They will be wearing black bands at their clinics to create pulic awareness. They have also extended their willingness for monetary and legal help and for providing food and shelter for the terminated doctors if required
The IMA , Maharashtra State has submitted a letter to the Chief Minister expressing solidarity to our cause.
The General Practitioner’s Association has submitted a letter to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra stating that if the residents’ issues are not solved in due time, they will be forced to join the strike.
Resident Doctors Association of AIIMS has also extended their support.
In an unprecedented move, Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) has extended their whole-hearted support to our movement.

State wide updates

Aurangabad

Rally at GMC participated by 500 residents and medicos
Parallel OPDs from tomorrow
Pamphlet distribution

Nanded

Candle light march held yesterday
Pamphlet distribution
Blood donation camp to be organized on Sunday

Solapur

Silent protest march (100 participants)
Parallel OPDs
Blood donation camps, 50 have donated

Miraj

Street plays on various locations in the city
Banners, posters displayed

Pune

Parallel OPD – 160 attendance
Candle March – 900 (7.30 pm today)
Blood Donation camp was also held.
Street plays at two locations
General public awareness campaigns

Ambejogai

Blood donation camps, 30 participants
Press conference

Rest of India

Delegates plan to meet Ms. Sonia Gandhi
‘Black badge day’ observed in Gujrat
MP, Rajasthan, Bihar – agree to observe a ‘Black Day’ on Thursday.

Delhi residents have planned to have dharna at Rajghat on Wednesday

The Candles burnt bright for MARD's cause in the Nair Hospital - 5th March 2006 We may be candles in the wind, but gradually we are getting the hands to shield us and let this fire burn brighter than ever.

Candles in the wind - from KEM's candle March 5, 2006

Central MARD

Updates from all over Maharashtra

2006-03-05T23:54:00.000+05:30

5th March, 2006

Updates from all over Maharashtra

In Solapur, a blood donation camp was held. 55 donors involved in the camp. They also received support from the IMA Chapter there and also from Private Medical practitioner. Tomorrow, they are planning for a parallel OPD and a protest march
In Aurangabad, over a thousand pamphlets were distributed. A mute march was also held.
In Pune, over 5, 000 pamphelts were distributed and a tent was erected for the striking MARD delegates. They are planning to coundct Parallel OPD, a candle March and street plays.
In Miraj - and meeting with the IMA was held. Street plays are planned for tomorrow.
Nagpur - Poster and banners were made and displayed to the public. 150 resident doctors set out on a Candle march. Tomorrow, they are planning street play and a blood donation camp.
Ambejogia - Interns displayed the solidairity with the resident doctors. They also got coverage in the electronic media. Tomorrow, they are planning for a press conference.

BBC NEWS- Indian doctors sacked over strike

2006-03-05T23:48:00.000+05:30

The article gives the impression that we are about to launch a hunger-strike. Such a comment has not been issued by the MARD yet.

List of documents

2006-03-05T22:39:00.000+05:30

Support Letter for the nation-wide 'Black Day' [*new]
Central Mard Demands - These are the latest set of demands (subcategorized into Interim and Long-term) put forward by the Central MARD on the 3rd of March.
Daily Reports
Pamphlet/Handouts
List of supporters
List of assaults
Support letter for other staff in hospitals
Marathi font - for those who have trouble in viewing the documents in Hindi and Marathi, download this font and install it.

Report on the 7th day

2006-03-05T21:56:00.000+05:30

Press Release on the 7th day of MARD strike

5th of March 2006

Today on the 5th of March 2006, the state-wide strike has entered its seventh day without any concrete steps being taken by the Government.

We have put forth our demands on the first day itself. Yet, the Government is continuing to make us and the patients wait for any definitive plans. Everyday, we have returned from their doorstep with nothing except verbal assurances. The strike today is continuing only because the Government is agreeing to our demands only in principle and is not ready to give us anything in writing.

We have been accused by the media and the public that we are shirking our responsibility towards our patients. Note be made that 90% of the hospital’s patient load are OPD patients and ‘Parallel OPDs’ have been started by nearly all the hospitals involved in the strike. We have got tremendous response from the patients.

We would like to ask how the Government plans to replace 2, 500 trained doctors, with several years of experience, with 150 doctors brought from rural areas to handle daily emergencies in the busy hospitals of Mumbai. What will happen to lacunae created in the rural medical system which is already understaffed.

Why is the Government trying to use the ‘Divide & Rule’ policy by sending termination orders in batches of 50 and 100? We are not afraid no matter what. Our unity is unshakable and such effort will only serve to strengthen our resolve.

Our demands are justifiable. This is proved by the enormous nation-wide support we have got from the medical as well as the non-medical fraternity. Slowly, the ripples made by us are being felt all over the nation. The day when the whole nation will stand in our support is not far. We are planning a nation-wide co-ordinated protest called ‘BLACK DAY’ if our demands or not met

CENTRAL MARD

The candle light march

2006-03-05T21:41:00.000+05:30

A candle march was held inside the KEM campus at around 8 pm. About 300 resident doctors participated in the event. A GBM meeting was held after the march.

2006-03-05T00:26:00.000+05:30

Report for the 6th day of Strike – Press Release

The 7th day of the strike was also special marked by public awareness programmes like rallies, street-plays etc. in all parts of the State. Many organizations and resident associations from all over India extended their support to our sincere cause.

MARD organized a rally at Azad maidaan. Over 2000 student doctors from all 4 medical colleges in Mumbai took part in this successful rally. The rally started off with addresses from various MARD committee members. Street plays were staged and poems were read out to the public. We even made posters on the spot and displayed it to the public. The crowd response was tremendous. Pamphlets and handouts were also handed out.

The Parallel OPDs continued for the second day. The KEM parallel OPD attendance shot up by almost 500 percent ie. to 124. All kinds of patients have started visiting the OPDs. The Sion hospital parallel OPD recorded 160 as attendance, thus reflecting people’s increase response and faith in our parallel OPDs.

The resident doctors from Nair hospital and Sion hospital conducted street plays at CST and Churchgate railway stations. The distribution of pamphlets was continued for the second day, which effectively invoked a positive response from the majority of the public. We are planning to conduct a candle march later on in the night. The resident doctors of Nair hospital launched a website for MARD, which is available at URL http://www.mardtoday.bravehost.com

Activities were not confined to the capital. In Aurangabad, the striking doctor staged a big rally to raise public awareness to our cause. In Miraj as well public awareness campaigns were conducted.

The change of the opinion of the masses in favour of us was very evident in radio shows conducted by Red FM (93.5) and Radio Mirchi (98.3) in which the majority expressed their support.

As usual, the support* for our strike kept flowing in from all over India.

IGMC, Nagpur joined us in the strike today.
Support from PG associations of

Orissa
Kerala
Madhya Pradesh
Karnataka
Andhra Pradesh (expected shortly)
West Bengal (expected shortly)

Nirbhay Kaamgar Sena has extended their support to the whole of MARD. They had a talk with Dr. Digvijay Khanwilkar.
ENT Society of Bombay has supported us. (Nair)
Bombay Psychiatry society has also extended their support. (Nair)
General Practitioners Association, Mumbai has guaranteed us financial assistance (Nair)
Association of Medical Consultants (AMC) - AMC generously offered us financial and logistic support if we needed it. They are(Nair)
Bombay Hospital Residents Association has also extended their whole-hearted support by wearing black badges during their work. (KEM)

In conclusion, another day of successful defiance and a strong answer to the pressure tactics of the Government and BMC.

“MARD Unity ZINDAABAD”
CENTRAL MARD

Blog http://mard-strike.blogspot.com E-mail mard.strike@gmail.com
chachoch@gmail.com

(* written agreement which has been either handed over or faxed)

2006-03-04T13:15:00.000+05:30

To,

The Honorable President,
Republic of India

Sub: Regarding the Strike of the resident doctors of Maharashtra State

Respected Sir,

We, the resident doctors of the state of Maharashtra, have been unwillingly forced to continue our indefinite strike, which commenced on the 27th of February, regarding various issues ranging from security to working hours. Despite many discussions, the authorities have refused to give us any permanent solution in a legally binding document. In an effort to thwart our spirits, the authorities have taken harsh steps like eviction, rustication, de-registration and termination.

We firmly believe that our demands are justified. In fact, they would be better termed as ‘rights’. We are fighting for basic requirements like adequate security, average payments, basic residential facilities, and recognition of courses by the Medical Council etc. But still, the deadlock persists.

We, being responsible doctors, don’t want to let the general public suffer due to the insensitive authorities. We would like to reach a definitive solution as early as possible and start delivering service to the society, which is dear to us.

We humbly request you to kindly attend to this issue and do the needful for us resident doctors.

Yours sincerely,

MARD
(Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors)

A succesful 6th day - Report

2006-03-04T01:22:00.000+05:30

The 6th day of our successful strike has given us plenty to remember and plenty to forget. Today, we took a huge leap forward in trying to get our message across to the public. The support, which is flowing in from all over India is tremendous and we thank each and everyone for that. To alleviate the suffering caused due to this strike, we started free OPD camps, which generated a great response from the masses. A blood donation camp was also held. On the downside, our talks with the authorities failed again and the administration decide to impose their authority on us by giving termination notices to around 200 students.

In yesterday night’s GBM we discussed in detail about the tactics used by the authorities for downplaying us by misinforming the media about the strike. The feeling was sinking in that we should inform the lay-public about our cause. For this, we prepared handouts and pamphlets in English, Marathi and Hindi, most of which can be viewed or downloaded in this site itself. 1000s of copies were taken and were distributed it in public places, railway stations, hospital premises etc. A few were posted on the suburban trains and inside hospital campuses.

We being responsible doctors, are unable to sit idle and deprive the masses of the medical care for which they shell out money for. Enough was enough and we went ahead with the plan to start parallel OPDs near all the three Corporation run hospitals.

In KEM, the space was given thanks to the Bengal Club. The Pharmaceutical companies supplied us with samples of essential drugs like antibiotics, iron/calcium supplements and pain-killers. The parallel OPD in Sion was a grand success with over 200 patients attending. Similarly, the OPD near Nair hospital also generated a good response.

Along with that, we conducted a blood donation camp (again at the Bengal Club near KEM). 25 residents donated their blood. We plan to continue this as long as the strike continues.

It seemed that the creativity dwelling inside this huge set of doctors was waiting for an opportunity to express itself out. If you want proof, take a look at the beautifully hand-drawn posters stuck all across the campuses of all the three hospitals! The public was very curious to take a look at the message being conveyed and they seemed to realize the reality.

We received support from many institutions all across India like

IMA Central Delhi branch,
IMA Mumbai,
IMA Maharashtra, Legal Assist (Complete Risk Management Company),
ABVP,
General Practitioners Association Greater Mumbai.

We thank all of you for your kind, appropriate gesture!

In the afternoon, the Central MARD delegates went for another meeting with the ministers viz. Mr. Suresh Shetty, Mr. Valsepatil and Mr. Vimaltai Mundhra. The discussion went along the same lines as that of before. The demands were put across. But this time, we re-framed our demands under two time frame; interim and long term. The reaction was the same. They were willing to give in writing (not in legal documents which can be produced in court) that all the issues except that of the stipend will be dealt with and handled in a span of two months. Regarding the stipend, no exact figure could be guaranteed. Because of our bitter experiences in the past where such ‘promises’ did not materialize, our delegates had no other choice but to refuse.

During the meeting, we received a phone call from the Municipal Commissioner Mr. Johnny Joseph asking us to come for a meeting. We had informed that we are in the meeting and will come later. When our meeting with the Commissioner finally ensued, the delegates received threats from the municipality at a personal level. He also enquired where we knew the clauses in JR for residents, that if we go on our strike, termination can be called for etc. The discussion didn’t go on for long.

Soon, at around 9 pm, Mr. Johny Joseph announced in the media that 50 doctors each in KEM, Sion and Nair hospitals as well as BJMC Pune would be given termination/rustication notices later on in the night. It was rather ironic when one of the press delegates asked him why they took ‘action’ only around midnight. They replied that it is not intended; just that it happened so.

Our GBM which started at around 9 pm highlighted our unity yet again. The news of eviction must have strengthened the unity amongst us. The echoes of the slogans seemed to linger on between the walls of the RMO mess. The media finally realized our resolve, I’m proud to admit.

The ‘drama’ finally unfolded at around 12.40 AM in KEM when the BMC officers, the warden and a 100 plus strong police force came to the campus and started pasting the notices on the rooms of the ‘select-few’; the ‘martyrs’.

Our decisions in the GBM were unanimous

To continue the strike, but with greater determination and resolve.
To mass-resign if the need arises.

The plans for tomorrow include

Protest March and demonstration at Azad Maidan
Continue the parallel OPD
Street plays
Continue generating public awareness

As a final word, we would like to say

‘MARD Unity, ZINDABAAD!’

Pictures courtesy Mid-Day Mumbai, Hindustan Times Mumbai, The Asian Age, The Hindu, Daily News and Analysis, Mumbai

Our Demands in Marathi

2006-03-03T23:58:00.000+05:30

Hindi Handout

2006-03-03T23:55:00.000+05:30

Appeal to the General Public

2006-03-03T23:52:00.000+05:30

An average KEM resident's room

2006-03-03T23:11:00.000+05:30

Accomodation – Resident doctors are living minimum 3 to 5 persons in a room in many medical colleges with no basic facilities. The room is unfurnished, ill ventilated and is infested with bedbugs.

Photo from DNA, Mumbai on the 1st of March

Our documents

2006-03-03T17:01:00.000+05:30

These are the documents that you can download. If you have any problems, please post your comments. For those having problems in view the Marathi/Hindi documents, kindly download and install the Marathi/Hindi font.

Demands of Central MARD 3rd March, 2006

2006-03-03T14:30:00.000+05:30

3rd March, 2006

Demands of Central MARD

1. Security

Interim

Amendment in law by passing an ordinance of non-bailable offence for assaults on on-duty resident doctors.
Restriction of number of relatives in hospital campus
No visitors to be entering in the hospital campus beyond visiting hours.
Authority to respective units/departments to decide the seriousness of a patient and accordingly issue passes to the visitors

Long term

Increasing number of security persons in all the hospitals
Increase in powers to the security personnel
Incorporation of private security wherever necessary

2. Working hours of resident doctors

Interim

Instant order to be issued for the regulation of working hours
In principle agreement for regulation of working hours is required
Weekly off to be implemented

Long term

Regulation to be formulated by an independent committee comprising of retired high-court or supreme court judges and impartial medical experts of repute
No incorporation of DMER or State Government in the committee

3. Stipend

Interim

Stipend will be according basic pay and DA.
Basic pay to be increased to Rs. 8, 000/- as for Class II Grade.
Implementation of NPA and Book Allowances

Long term

Linking of the stipend with price index to be revised by independent committee and the revision to be completed in 2 months.
Revision of stipend every three years.
All the revisions in stipend should be applicable to the residents (Registered/Unregistered/Degree/Diploma candidates) all Government Medical Colleges, all Municipal Corporation Colleges and hospitals

4. MCI Recognition

All the post-graduate seats in all medical colleges should be recognized as early as possible. For this, the Government should appoint one independent committee to look into this matter and to make sure that all the necessary requirements for MCI recognition are ready for the inspection by the MCI committee.
The required study to be conducted by independent committee in two months.

5. Tuition fees50% deduction in tuition fees stat.

No fee hike for next five years.

6. Doctor-Patient ratio

To increase the number of unregistered posts.
Approval of DNB seats in all the departments of all medical colleges. (The study should be done in 2 months by independent committee.)

7. Accomodation

One room per resident.
The Government will appoint one independent committee to look into this matter of accommodation and will take appropriate necessary action in two months period.

Lastly,

No disciplinary action will be taken against the resident doctors who had participated in this strike, working in the Government Medical Colleges, BMC Medical Colleges and Thane Corporation Colleges.
Full payment for the strike period
No leaves to be deducted from the any Leaves to resident doctors.
No deleterious action on the academic career of resident doctors in relation to this strike whether he/she is Registered/Unregistered/Degree/Diploma candidate from any Government Medical Colleges, BMC Medical Colleges, Thane Corporation College and hospitals.

Dr. Shrikant Pandit Dr. Nitin Goswade Dr. Ajay Owhal
President Vice President General Secretary
Central Mard Central Mard Central Mard

WOUND HEALERS to WOUNDED HEALERS

2006-03-03T13:47:00.000+05:30

WOUND HEALERS to WOUNDED HEALERS

26/2/6, 6.30 PM – Resident doctor assaulted by patient’s relatives for informing about a mandatory post-mortem
27/2/6, 8.00 pm – Resident doctor manhandled by relatives on being asked to keep their chappals out of delivery room
27/2/6, 11.30 pm – Resident doctors abused and threatened for life for denying an unindicated politically motivated admission to ward

Year 2005, 260 doctors admitted in their own hospitals with hepatitis, malaria, dengue & leptospirosis over a year.

‘Are doctors justified in going on strike?’ is a common question doing rounds these days. The most obvious response from everyone seems to be ‘Of course not, they must save patient’s lives!’

But there is a 25 year old who stays on call 24X7, works 20 hours a day returns to a 10X10 room, shared amongst six other equally tired doctors, all fighting for the coveted two beds, the unlucky ones having to sleep on stretchers in the ward for want of space.

The unmarried ones are lucky; they fight for themselves, the married ones become gladiators for their families.

Here is a 30 year old who doesn’t dare to marry for want of space, privacy, financial stability and time with extended duties reaching upto 36 hours at a stretch. He has no life beyond the confined of the hospital, stuck for months together in intensive care, not having seen daylight.

Nothing seems to be enough. Not that he has buried his face in his books since 10 years of age till date; not that he has passed from the best schools and colleges; not even the fact he has graduated from the top medical colleges to work in the best hospitals in India, away from the cozy comforts of his home.

He is told that he is the cream of the literate society. And here is the cream of your society being slapped on the face for working hard in a place where tempers fly high and emotions cross all limits; with inefficient security in the form of few guards who reach the scene after the harm is done.

We doctors, aren’t on strike to let our patient die; in fact we are on strike so that we can get protection for our life; a right which is the basis of democracy.

So here we are, having put everything in our lives at stake for the society and are now forced to put down our only asset – ‘our dignity’.

We are simply asking the authorities to make manhandling of medical professionals on duty a non-bailable offence

We are not looking for sympathy, we demand empathy for our cause. Can the society justify that these doctors, who save their lives, be taken by their collars by the mob?

We are literally wounding our souls to heal others, meanwhile being stripped of our dignity.

Just give us back our dignity to safeguard this special journey called life.

Resident doctors of MARD
Maharshtra Association of Resident Doctors

Doctor's on Strike - But Why??

2006-03-03T10:55:00.000+05:30

DOCTOR’S ON STRIKE – WHY??

Resident doctors working 24 hours a day for years altogether have suddenly gone on strike. WHY??

Reasons being,
1. No human being can work efficiently for more than 8 hours a day. So isn’t it inhuman to make a doctor work 24 hours a day, every day?
2. Aren’t we entitled to proper living conditions, sanitation and clean food?
3. Is it fair, in spite of all this hardship, on the part of public to assault the doctor, when things go wrong?
4. We get a stipend that is less than that of an unskilled manual labourer
5. Rather than looking into our demands, the Government is threatening us with stringent action

So we request the public at large to understand our problems and convey to the Government in any possible manner.

We once again apologize to the public for the inconvenience caused and assure you of our best services once our demands are fulfilled.

Thanking you,

Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD)

Photo from The Telegraph, Calcutta on the 28th of February

Appeal to the General Public

2006-03-03T10:08:00.000+05:30

APPEAL TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

We, the resident doctors of the state of Maharashtra apologize to the general public for the inconvenience caused by the strike of the resident medical doctors against the State Government of Maharashtra. We have been forced to take such a drastic step as the Government has victimized us for many decades. All our demands are ultimately related for improvement of patient care. We are asking for deputing more doctors for the betterment of patient care and to improve the general living conditions of the existing doctors. The Government also understands our problem and the legitimacy of our demands but it is not willing to give a time bound written agreement regarding our demands.

Our fight is not against the patients but against the system to rectify the loopholes in the public health system existing at present. We request the public at large to understand our problem and convey it to the Government in any possible manner.

We once again apologize to the public for the inconvenience caused and assure you of our best services once our demands are fulfilled.

PLEASE BE WITH US IN OUR STRUGGLE FOR JUSTICE!

Thanking you,

Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD)

A succesful 6th day - Report

2006-03-03T01:30:00.000+05:30

IMA Central Delhi branch,
IMA Mumbai,
IMA Maharashtra, Legal Assist (Complete Risk Management Company),
ABVP,
General Practitioners Association Greater Mumbai.

We thank all of you for your kind, appropriate gesture!

To continue the strike, but with greater determination and resolve.
To mass-resign if the need arises.

The plans for tomorrow include

Protest March and demonstration at Azad Maidan
Continue the parallel OPD
Street plays
Continue generating public awareness

As a final word, we would like to say ‘MARD Unity, ZINDABAAD!’

The hospitals are not running

2006-03-02T20:25:00.000+05:30

We are amazed by the reassured statement of the spokesperson from the BMC that even with the ongoing strike, the public hospitals are functioning normally. The actual situation is much different.

Patients from the wards have been mass evacuated. The OPDs are running but with 60% less patient turnout. The operation theatres which used to perform upto 10 surgeries per day, are doing one or two.

Now if this is what can be called as 'normal', then we are astonished.

Parallel OPDs - we request for help

2006-03-02T13:11:00.000+05:30

TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN

Sub: Allowing space for running parallel OPD

Sir/Madam,

We, the resident doctors of Maharashtra state have been unwillingly forced to enter into the 4th day of our strike in protest against lack of security, inadequate working and living conditions and the implementation of Central Residency scheme etc.

We are well aware of the fact that this strike has virtually stagnated the public health infrastructure all over Maharashtra. The deserving public has been stranded without provisions of even basic medical facilities. Taking into consideration of the undue suffering the general public has to undergo, we as qualified medical practitioners intend to run free outpatient consultations.

We have been cold-heartedly denied space by the municipality and the government. We urge all the private practitioners, NGOs and the pharmaceutical companies to offer their kind helping hand in our efforts to reduce the sufferings of the needy public.

Hoping in anticipation,

MARD

The list of hospitals who have joined us for strike

2006-03-02T13:09:00.000+05:30

Mumbai

KEM Hospital
LTMG Hospital
BYL Nair Hospital
Sir J. J. Hospital
Bandra Bhabha Hospital
Cooper Hospital
G T hospital
Kurla Bhabha hospital
St George Hospital
Kama hospital
Bhagwati Hospital
Shatabdi Hospital chembur
Shatabdi Hospital Borivali
V.N. Desai Hospital
Siddtharth hospital Goregaon
KMJ hospital Vikroli

Thane - Rajiv Gandhi Medical College and Hospital Thane
Pune – B. J. Medical College and Hospital, Pune
Aurangabad – GMC, Aurangabad
Nanded – GMC, Nanded
Solapur – V. M. Medical College, Solapur

Press Release March 1st, 2006

2006-03-01T22:03:00.000+05:30

Press Release
March 1st, 2006

Today MARD representatives had a meeting with three ministers Mr. Dilip Valsepatil, Mr. Suresh Shetty and Dr. Nirmala Mundra, principal secretary Mr. Khan and Dr. W. B. Tayade, Director of DMER.

We discussed the prime issue of security. Our demands made are

1. Amendment in law, ie. To make assault on resident doctors a non-bailable offence
2. Increase in powers of security personnel
3. Filling of vacant posts
4. Partial private security (if required)

In reply, the Government said

1. Government is not clear whether resident doctors are public servants or not. They want to work on this matter and find out whether residents can be included under the public servant category. The would try to make amendments regarding this if required.
2. Health ministry wants to discuss the issue of increasing powers of the security personnel with the Home Ministry.
3. The issues of vacant posts and private security would be discussed and at least one month was needed to come up with a concrete solution.
4. No permanent solution was reached today.

The second demand is of improvement of working conditions in public & Government hospitals so as to provide better patient care and decrease the workload on resident doctors. We offered the solution of increasing the number of registered and unregistered post in respective hospitals. It was pointed out that in fact, unregistered posts are lying vacant because MBBS doctors are unwilling to join due to excessive workload and negligible stipend as compared to the posts of a medical officer in a primary health centre where the workload is less and the salary is much more lucrative. Government said that it requires at least one month's time to form a committee that will discuss and come out with a permanent solution.

Lastly we discussed the issue of the Central Residency Scheme including accommodation facilities and stipend. The Government's stand is that it would take minimum of three months to come out with a solution on this issue which may or may not satisfy our demands.

No permanent solution has been offered and hence the strike continues. The Residents of all the Government Medical Colleges and hospitals in Maharashtra are also being unwillingly forced to join from today.

Media Spokespersons

* Yashodhan Deshpande (98190 10654)
* Yoganand Patil (98191 94600)
* Bharat Jigyasi (92232 52293)
* Ramnath Gutte (93231 51693)
* Sanchita Gupta (93238 03196)

Reply to Mid Day article titled 'All Pay and no work'

2006-03-01T11:13:00.000+05:30

To Krishna Kumar,

This is in regard to your newspaper article heading ‘All Pay and no work’. It will be better if you changed the heading to ‘All work and no pay’. You should ponder up on the details on a resident doctor’s life before commenting on a big and sensitive issue. Have you ever been to a public hospital before writing this article? Have you ever bothered to go into the details of the daily routine, working conditions of a resident doctor’s life? It is highly irresponsible from your side to write an article, which shows us doctors in such bad light.

Let’s clear the facts.

Pay hike – For your kind information we are not paid 10, 000. Rather, it is still less. Most of us are in the age group 25 – 28 and still asking for money from our parents to fulfill our basic needs and pay our whopping fees. At the same age, people in other professions support their families. Doctors from other states are already receiving stipend as per the Central Residency Scheme since years and we are only demanding for the same.
Working hours – There are no stipulated working hours. We work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Officially, we get only 10 days of casual leave for every 6 months and for claiming that, we have to arrange for a replacement doctor. There are no weekly offs and ward work continues on official Government holidays.
Living conditions – We have 6 – 8 residents living in a single dingy room with no basic amenities. It is similar to living on a pavement, but with walls around. A single dirty toilet which does not even flush is shared by around 40 residents.
Security – In spite of all this adversity, we are expected to be alert and sensitive. It is quite evident from the series of incidents of doctors getting assaulted, the kind of security that we have been provided. A single doctor has to handle around 40 – 50 patients in the ward, each having a minimum of 4 – 5 relatives.
Doctor-Patient ratio – Kindly note that the number of patients has been increasing over the years. At the same time, the number of resident doctors has been consistently decreasing. The vacant posts remain so because of the hopeless working and living conditions.

Finally, we want to make it clear that we are not averse to working hard. We are not fighting for luxury, rather basic living conditions which a human being deserves after such hard work. Don’t we deserve some dignity, something that this profession is known for?

You have just stated one side of the story. The facts for the other side have been mentioned above. For confirmation of the above, we invite you to visit us and see for yourself the dirty truth.

Press Release (10.00 pm, Feb 28, 2006)

2006-02-28T22:15:00.000+05:30

Our representatives met with the Municipal Commissioner and Honorable Minister of State for Medical Education and Research despite our discussions and our sincere efforts to sort out our problems nothing fruitful arose from these meetings.

The representatives of Central MARD had a meeting with the Municipal Commissioner Mr. Johny Joseph today afternoon. They put forth our demands to the Commissioner and discussed our grievances with him. He agreed with us that most of our demands were beyond his powers. They reassured the Municipal Commissioner that we are at no point trying to tarnish the image of the B.M.C. and we due to our miserable working condition are being forced to take such a major and radical step. But we do not want to trouble the people all over the state therefore we are not starting a statewide agitation as yet. They requested the Commissioner to bear with us while continue our fight against injustice and continue our fight for our basic needs.

The representatives of Central MARD also met with Honorable Minister of State for Medical Education and Research,
Shri. Suresh Shetty. Also present at the meeting were Director of Medical Education and Research, Dr. Tayade and Principal Secretary, Mr. Khan. We again put forth our demands and grievances. We were heard but had to return from their doorstep dejected and depressed, as all we got were empty promises and assurances. No concrete action plan has been put forward and some of our demands have been out right rejected.

1. We demanded improvement in the security provided at the various hospitals throughout Mumbai (by increasing the powers given to security personnel or employing private agencies). In response to this they told us that for this they need to consult Home Ministry and they will try to do what they can at some point in the future.
2. When we mentioned the Central Residency Scheme where in issues like working hours, accommodation, food, canteen, etc. Were discussed the Honorable Minister begged ignorance about it and said that they would put up a committee soon which would come up with some suggestions after surveying all the colleges in Maharashtra. The Minister also said that as far as increasing the stipend went, they did not have enough funds at present and this will be considered at a later time.
3. When we raised the issue of decreasing or scraping the tuition fees, the topic was unceremoniously discarded saying that they were in fact planning to raise the fees from the present 18, 000 to a whopping amount of 50, 000 which amounts to an increase to more than 200%.
4. When the issue of Doctor-patient ratio was brought up they said that they would consider starting DNB seats again but nothing could be done about this matter at present.
5. When we asked for recognition of all PG seats they said that they would work on it.
6. When we talked of insurance for resident doctors they said that they will talk to private companies and would let us know at a later date.
7. On touching upon the issue of 24 hour library they said that would not be possible but they would provide reading rooms in hostels which a rather illogical suggestion as the hostel did not have even enough space to house the residents. No comments were made as to updating the library.

Our opinion after the discussion is that the authorities have largely ignored our demands and they are instead trying to give falsified statements in front of the media and public that is showing us in bad light. They are trying to project that they have fulfilled most of our demands but since our real demand is only a hike in stipend we are continuing the strike. This is not at all the case as we would gladly come back to work as soon as some concrete plans with definite guidelines are given. We have no interest in prolonging the agony of the patient whom we have pledged to serve for our lifetime. We only want to say that we are not in a position to serve the community in our presently anguished state.

Media Spokespersons

Yashodhan Deshpande (98190 10654)
Yoganand Patil (98191 94600)
Bharat Jigyasi (92232 52293)
Ramnath Gutte (93231 51693)
Sanchita Gupta (93238 03196)

Tomorrow's agenda

2006-02-28T21:13:00.000+05:30

Tomorrow, we are organizing a meeting at the RMO hostel at KEM hospital at 9 AM tomorrow. The rest of the days plan will be made in that meeting.

News Articles as compiled by Google News

2006-02-28T21:06:00.000+05:30

Mumbai resident doctors continue strike
Sify, India - 3 hours ago
Mumbai: More than 2,500 doctors in Mumbai and hundreds more all over Maharashtra continue to be on an indefinite strike protesting against the assault on ...

Strike to intensify
Mid-Day Mumbai, India - 7 hours ago
It’s definitely going to be bad. From a fledgling 2,500 doctors who went on strike on Monday, the figure is now 3,500. And that’s only in Mumbai. ...

Doctors in Maharashtra on strike
Chennai Online, India - 9 hours ago
Mumbai, Feb 28: The resident doctors of seven government hospitals here have gone on indefinite strike from last night demanding greater security in hospitals ...

15 hospitals declare flash strike
Mid-Day Mumbai, India - 10 hours ago
A patient with a respiratory disorder dies at KEM Hospital on Sunday. When doctor Rohan Ainchwar breaks the news to his relatives, he is roughed up. ...

Mumbai doctors' strike enters second day
NDTV.com, India - 11 hours ago
The KEM hospital campus has put up a notice, notifying doctors that strict action will be taken against those who fail to report to work. ...

Slapped at KEM, doctors strike work
Times of India, India - 18 hours ago
MUMBAI: Hospitals across the city reeled under the weight of the slap that Chandrakala Walawalkar landed on a KEM Hospital doctor on Sunday. ...

Better security: Mumbai doctors on strike
NDTV.com, India - 27 Feb 2006
Doctors of four civic hospitals across Mumbai have launched a strike to protest against the manhandling of doctors. This comes after ...

More than 2,500 resident docs likely to go on strike from noon
Outlook (subscription), India - 26 Feb 2006
More than 2,500 resident doctors in the city are likely to go on indefinite strike from noon demanding greater security in hospitals following two cases of ...

Mumbai doctors on indefinite strike
NDTV.com, India - 26 Feb 2006
Some 2,500 doctors of five civic hospitals across Mumbai are going on an indefinite strike to protest against the manhandling of some doctors. ...

Mumbai resident doctors go on strike
Times of India, India - 26 Feb 2006
MUMBAI: The resident doctors of King Edward Medical hospital in central Mumbai went on a flash strike on Monday, protesting assault on some of their colleagues ...

Doctors from 15 hospitals join indefinite strike
Webindia123, India - 3 hours ago
Over 2,500 resident doctors from 15 state government and municipal corporation-governed hospitals today decided to join the indefinate strike due to failure of ...

Docs go on strike as angry relatives get physical
Afternoon Dispatch & Courier, India - 8 hours ago
BY A STAFF REPORTER | Tuesday, February 28, 2006 11:49:8 IST. Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) of KEM Hospital, Parel ...

Mumbai: Assault on Colleague - KEM, Bhabha Hospital Doctors Strike ...
Daijiworld.com, India - 13 hours ago
Mumbai, Feb 28: Resident doctors of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)-owned King Edward Memorial (KEM) and Bhabha Hospital went on a flash strike ...

Battered doctors go on strike
Calcutta Telegraph, India - 13 hours ago
Mumbai, Feb. 27: Reeling under repeated assaults from relatives of patients, over 2,500 doctors in the city went on a flash strike today. ...

2,500 doctors on strike
Mumbai Newsline, India - 13 hours ago
Mumbai, February 27: SHAIFAN Shetsandi (40) of Solapur arrived at Parel’s KEM Hospital at 6 am on Monday, carrying his four-year-old son Salman, who suffers ...

Resident doctors in Maharashtra go on indefinite strike
NewKerala.com, India - 20 hours ago
Mumbai, Feb 27- The resident doctors of seven government hospitals here tonight went on an indefinite strike demanding greater security in hospitals following ...

Resident doctors of 13 hospitals join the strike
Webindia123, India - 23 hours ago
Over 2,500 resident doctors of 13 government and municipal hospitals in the metropolis and the adjoining Thane district today joined the flash strike called by ...

Mumbai hospital docs on flash strike
CNN-IBN, India - 26 Feb 2006
Mumbai: Doctors of Mumbai's King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital and Bhabha Hospital went on a flash strike on Monday after their colleague were beaten up by ...

Resident docs on Maharashtra continue strike
Hindu, India - 3 hours ago
Mumbai, Feb. 28 (PTI): More than 2,500 doctors in Mumbai and hundreds more all over Maharashtra continued to be on an indefinite ...

Mumbai’s KEM Hospital doctors on strike
Expressindia.com, India - 27 Feb 2006

Indefinite strike by resident doctors enters second day
NewKerala.com, India - 5 hours ago
Mumbai: The indefinite strike by resident doctors of seven government hospitals in Mumbai continued for the second day today, as they continued their demand ...

Resident doctors in Maharashtra on an indefinite strike
Zee News, India - 11 hours ago
Mumbai, Feb 28: The resident doctors of seven government hospitals are on an indefinite strike demanding greater security in hospitals following two cases of ...

Mumbai's 2,500 doctors threaten to go on indefinite strike
Webindia123, India - 27 Feb 2006
Over 2,500 resident doctors in Mumbai have threatened to go on an indefinite strike from noon, demanding greater security measures for them in hospitals ...

KEM hospital docs strike work
Daily News & Analysis, India - 26 Feb 2006
MUMBAI: Resident doctors of King Edward Medical hospital went on a flash strike on Monday, protesting against the assault on some colleagues by relatives of a ...

Resident doctors of KEM hospital strike work
Zee News, India - 26 Feb 2006
Mumbai, Feb 27: The resident doctors of King Edward Medical Hospital in central Mumbai went on a flash strike today, protesting assault on some of their ...

Why are we on strike?

2006-02-28T15:51:00.000+05:30

We are aware of the implications of such a strike on the population that deserves to be served by us. But the situation is worsening by the day and repeated efforts from our side to convince the authorities about these problems are being greeted by deaf ears. This has forced us to go on this strike against our will in the hope of materialising our demands to work under better working condtions.

We will try to provide insights into our living and working conditions in this webpage which we hope will convince everyone that we deserve what we demand.

Letter to the CM

2006-02-28T15:29:00.000+05:30

To,

Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh Saheb,
Honorable Chief Minister,
Maharashtra state

Subject: Regarding grievances and urgent requirements of resident doctors

Respected doctors,

Resident doctors are the backbone for providing medical facilities in all the Public hospitals in our state. It is well known that the majority of hospital work related to patient service is done by resident doctors in all the public hospitals round the clock.

In spite of working so hard for hours together, unfortunately we are the most neglected part of the health system in receiving even the basic necessities to us provided by the Govt.

We, all the resident doctors (Registered/Unregistered, Recognised/Unrecognised) of all the Government and Corporation medical hospitals in Maharashtra state are facing various problems which have made our life and eduction difficult.

The concerned authorities were approached many times in past but no permanent solution is reached.

The concerned authorities never bother about these problems relating to Resident Doctors even when some outrage occurs in form of strike or agitations affecting the health system in all.

Here we are approaching your kind self for redressal of the following problems.

1. Security

Security services in all public hospitals are worsening day by day. This can be provided on the basis of recent unfortunate incidence of manhandling of resident doctors by the relatives of the patients. Eg.

i. 29/08/05 – Sir J. J. Hospital, Mumbai
ii. 19/09/05 – Indira Gandhi Medical College, Nagpur
iii. 06/10/06 – Sion Hospital, Mumbai
iv. 16/10/05 – K. J. Somaiyya Hospital, Mumbai
v. 19/10/05 – V. N. Desai Hospital, Mumbai
vi. 24/10/05 – Government Medical College, Aurangabad.
vii. 03/02/06 – KEM Hospital, Mumbai
viii. 26/02/06 – KEM Hospital, Mumbai
ix. 27/02/06 – Bhabha hospital, Mumbai

There is lack of awareness in general public regarding doctors and their duties, which ultimately results into such outrages

Also, there is no provision of security for on duty resident doctors. Wen an attack on any government staff is considered an offence and immediate remedial measures are initiated?, why not in case of resident doctors?
2. Negligible stipend

We are getting a stipend of around Rs. 8, 000/- per month.

In contrast to this, the resident doctors of other institutions like AIIMS, Delhi, PGI, Chandigarh, NIMHANS (Bangalore) etc. are getting stipend in the range of Rs. 18, 000 to 21, 000 along with other allowances. This is against the ‘Law of Equality’. We are medical graduates pursuing our post graduation an are getting stipend which is nearly half of a Class III Government servant.

In spite of providing uninterrupted lifesaving services round the clock, the stipend which we are getting is not even enough to satisfy our basic needs. This stipend is not enough to manage

i. Tuition fees + other fees (Approximately Rs. 25, 000 per year).
ii. Books and other academic material
iii. Livelihood

We are at the age of 27 – 28 years of life. We also have family responsibilities as most of our parents are at the age of retirement.

How will it be possible to manage a family with this negligible amount of Rs. 8000/- per month when we cannot manage our own educational expenses?

At this age, it is shameful to ask for financial support from parents for education instead of supporting the family.

Since last 7 years, there is no hike in our stipend and now it is not possible for us to manage life with this negligible amount.

3. Working Hours

The residents doctors are providing uninterrupted life saving services round the clock which many times include working for even 72 – 96 hours at a stretch. Again the resident resume their duties without any sufficient break.

The World Health Organisation norms specify working hours for a healthy person as working for 48 hours a week only. In contrast to this, the resident doctors of ours state are working 2 – 3 fold more.

When Health Care providers themselves are not in a state of health, how will it be possible morally to provide health as well as advice to others about health?

Hence, regulation of working hours for resident doctors needs immediate and serious attention

4. Tuition Fees

We are bound to pay tuition fees of Rs. 18, 000/- per year along with college fees which comes to around Rs. 25, 000/- per year.

When we are working continuously for patients only, what is the need for tuition fees?

5. Disparity in Doctor Patient Ratio

Already doctor patient ratio in Maharashtra is disturbed since 2003 as 50% recognized post graduate seats have been cancelled. This is ultimately creating burden on existing working residents and affecting quality services to the patients.

This issue also requires urgent attention.

6. Non recognition of various post-graduate courses

Many departments of government/corporation hospitals are not upgraded as per Medical Council of India norma. Thus many post graduate courses are not recognised in various departments.

This is ultimately affecting careers of resident doctors as one cannot practice outside Maharashtra as well as cannot perceive overseas education.

7. Basic Needs :

i. Accomodation – Resident doctors are living minimum 3 to 5 persons in a room in many medical colleges with no basic facilities. After graduation at the age of 27 year, we are still not in position to maintain our privacy.
ii. Food and water – Even after paying, we are not getting proper food and purified water which is affecting the health of resident doctors. While treating patients, the doctors are suffering from various food and water borne diseases like typhoid, hepatitis etc. But health department is not taking care of it.

8. Occupational hazards

Various diseases like TB, Hepatitis, Malaria, Typhoid etc. are on rise amongst us resident doctors due to unhygienic living conditions while working and during stay in hostels.

This leads to physical and mental trauma and at times, extension of residency tenure of the doctors.

9. Library

The library timings in most of the medical colleges are from 9.00 AM to 8.00 pm. There is no 24 hour library fcilities like in most medical colleges. During library timeing most of the resident doctors are busy with their ward services for patients. We cannot utilise library facility when required. Also most of the libraries in medical colleges are not equipped even with basic books and indexed journals.

Sir, we humbly request you to take note of these problems on priority basis to fulfill our demand which are as follows:-

DEMANDS

1. Security:
i. Strengthening of security sevices in all public hospitals.
ii. Amendment in law to prohibit unfortunate phycial and mental assaults on doctors
2. Stipend: Central parity in pay scales for resident doctors. (As applicable to resident doctors, Registered/Unregistered of AIIMS, Delhi, PGI, Chandigarh, NIMHANS Bangalore etc. ie. 18, 000 to 21, 000 plus other allowances applicable under central residency scheme).
3. Working hourse: Regulation of Duty hours as
i. 8 hours per day; 6 days a week
ii. weekly off (Working hours more than 48 hours a week)
4. Tuition fees: Abolition of tuition fees, certificate charges etc.
5. Increase in seats : Increase in the number of recognised seats
6. MCI Recognition of various postgraduate course in all departments of medical colleges in Maharashtra.
7. Proper Residential Facilities : Proper residential facilities for resident doctors (One room per doctor along with at least basic amenities)
8. Health Insurance: Health Insurance coverage to all resident doctors in Govt./Corporation Medical Colleges.
9. Library : 24 hour library services in all medical colleges.

Sir, we being the doctors, try to make best possible effor to serve the patients and relieve them from their problems. However, it is the duty of the Government and the society to respect the doctor so that they can live and work with dignity.

We will be glad if you give a patient hearing to our problems through a delegate meeting with central MARD (Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors).

However, if our issues are not addressed, we will be forced (though not willing) to take harsh steps which may cause inconvenience to our patients who are very dear to us.

Hoping in anticipation,

Thanking you,

MARD

Press Release (10.00 am, Feb 28, 2006)

2006-02-28T10:15:00.000+05:30

We, Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors, on behalf of all resident doctors in the state of Maharashtra are on an agitation against the Government of Maharashtra and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation starting on 28/02/2006 at 8.00 AM.

The most important issue is that of security along with our age-old demand for implementation of Central Residency Scheme and improvement in the health system and Post Graduate Medical Education in Maharashtra.

Time and again, we have put forward our grievances and given suggestions to the authorities. But the Government has given no timebound or definitive solution. Hence we have been forced unwillingly to take such a harsh step.

We are providing a copy of the letter containing our demands that we have given to the authorities along with this appeal to the general public through the media. We are also working towards a practical solution to alleviate the inconvenience caused to the public.

We proposed to conduct ‘Parallel OPDs’, minor operations to serve the common public, which is in the need of medical aid. We are working towards gathering funds, mobilizing resources and premises for the same. We are seeking help from NGOs and private medical practitioners.

We have approached the authorities and they have not shown any positive attitude towards finding an immediate and fruitful solution to our problems. Instead, they are misdirecting the public sentiment by giving false statements to the media to hide their failures and inability to find and implement appropriate solutions well in advance.

We would like to tender a sincere and heartfelt apology to the public for the inconvenience caused to them because of the strike. We urge the public to come forward and support us the dedicated resident doctors who have been serving them day and night, 24 hours in miserable working conditions without getting any help from the authorities.

Media Spokespersons

Yashodhan Deshpande (98190 10654)
Yoganand Patil (98191 94600)
Bharat Jigyasi (92232 52293)
Ramnath Gutte (93231 51693)
Sanchita Gupta (93238 03196)

Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors

A successful strike concludes

*IMPORTANT* - The Strike is not called off (yet)

Report on March 9, 2006

Subject: Reply to data on the stipend situation circulated by Honourable Director Dr. Tayde.

Computer down again

Report on the 10th day of strike - Press Release

List of Supporters (updated regularly)

Badge logo

Report on the 9th day of strike - Press Release

NDTV article - PIL against striking doctors

Technical problems

News update - Courtesy MARD Today

Latest Updates

Misery of Medicos - an article

Doctors - Cream of the Society?

Report on the 8th day

Updates from all over Maharashtra

BBC NEWS- Indian doctors sacked over strike

List of documents

Report on the 7th day

The candle light march

A succesful 6th day - Report

Our Demands in Marathi

Hindi Handout

Appeal to the General Public

An average KEM resident's room

Our documents

Demands of Central MARD 3rd March, 2006

WOUND HEALERS to WOUNDED HEALERS

Doctor's on Strike - But Why??

Appeal to the General Public

A succesful 6th day - Report

The hospitals are not running

Parallel OPDs - we request for help

The list of hospitals who have joined us for strike

Press Release March 1st, 2006

Reply to Mid Day article titled 'All Pay and no work'

Press Release (10.00 pm, Feb 28, 2006)

Tomorrow's agenda

News Articles as compiled by Google News

Why are we on strike?

Letter to the CM

Press Release (10.00 am, Feb 28, 2006)

IMPORTANT - The Strike is not called off (yet)