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Mumbai Resident Doctors Protest for Work Hour Reforms

Group of resident doctors protesting for justice and safety measures

News Summary

Over 2,500 resident doctors in Mumbai have begun an indefinite strike, demanding improved safety measures and reform of work hour regulations after a tragic incident in Kolkata. Organized by the BMC-MARD, the protest highlights concerns over violence against healthcare workers and calls for legislative changes to enhance safety and conditions in medical institutions. The protest comes amid ongoing issues with long working hours and inadequate compensation for healthcare professionals, exacerbating challenges in the medical field.

Mumbai: Resident Doctors Launch Indefinite Protest Demanding Work Hour Reforms and Safety Measures

In Mumbai, over 2,500 resident doctors from civic and state-run hospitals have initiated an indefinite work stoppage to protest inadequate safety provisions and the violation of established work hour guidelines. The strike was triggered by a recent tragic incident in Kolkata, where a postgraduate trainee was sexually assaulted and murdered after completing a 36-hour shift, prompting widespread outrage and demanding urgent action across the medical community.

Protest Details and Main Demands

The protest was organized by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation-Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (BMC-MARD) under slogans such as ‘Her Pain, Our Voice’ and ‘Justice Delayed is Justice Denied.’ The protesting doctors are demanding the appointment of a central agency to investigate the Kolkata case, along with the enactment of a Central Protection Act to safeguard healthcare workers against violence and harassment.

Furthermore, resident doctors are calling for an urgent review of security measures in medical institutions. They seek the presence of observer personnel from a designated MARD representative during audits of security frameworks within hospitals. A comprehensive review of hospital surveillance systems has also been requested to enhance monitoring capabilities and prevent future incidents.

Concerns Over Long Working Hours and Safety

Female resident doctors, in particular, have expressed concerns regarding their own safety, citing long working hours and insufficient security measures as major risks. The incident in Kolkata has underscored the vulnerabilities faced by healthcare workers following extended shifts, often exceeding recommended duty hours.

Despite the ongoing strike, senior resident doctors have continued to provide emergency care at hospitals, ensuring that critical services remain unaffected. Some elective surgeries have been postponed, but hospitals are conducting emergency procedures according to alternative arrangements.

Issues Related to Compensation and Working Conditions

The Maharashtra government had previously approved a stipend increase for senior resident doctors to Rs 95,000 per month. However, many doctors continue to receive salaries in the range of Rs 64,000 to Rs 66,000, citing failure to implement the raise fully, which adds financial strain to their daily lives. Resident doctors reported that over half of their salary is spent on rent, highlighting the economic challenges faced due to systemic salary disparities.

Legal Actions and Regulatory Gaps

An ongoing public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the United Doctors Front (UDF) in the Supreme Court highlights non-compliance with the 1992 guidelines which cap residents’ duty hours at 12 hours per day and 48 hours per week. These guidelines aim to prevent burnout and ensure safety but are reportedly ignored by many institutions.

Reports suggest that long working hours persist, with PG residents clocking 70 to 100 hours weekly. A systemic failure by the National Medical Council (NMC) to enforce these regulations has been linked to these alarming practices. The result has been an increase in mental health issues among medical trainees, evidenced by 122 medical student suicides between 2018 and 2022 and over 1,100 PG students dropping out during the same period.

Underlying Systemic Issues and Culture

Senior faculty members reportedly continue to endorse a culture of extended working hours, often citing their own lengthy shifts as a rationale. Despite clear evidence of the dangers associated with such practices, the medical establishment has been criticized for neglecting warnings, contributing to a serious systemic problem.

A recent online survey involving MBBS interns and PG residents reaffirmed concerns about extreme working conditions, high suicide rates, and frequent dropouts. These factors point to the need for urgent reforms in the system to address mental health risks and ensure better work environments for healthcare personnel.

Additional Demands and Government Actions

Resident doctors are also advocating for the creation of a grievance redressal cell to deal with issues such as caste discrimination and other forms of harassment faced by marginalized groups within the medical workforce.

In a recent development, the Maharashtra government canceled over 500 Medical Officers’ appointments due to their failure to join within the stipulated timeframe following a lengthy recruitment process. This action underscores ongoing administrative challenges within the healthcare sector.

Conclusion

The ongoing protests and demands by resident doctors in Mumbai reflect broader concerns about the safety, well-being, and working conditions of healthcare workers across India. The issues encompass systemic violations of work hour regulations, inadequate security measures, and the need for stronger legal and institutional safeguards to protect medical personnel and ensure quality patient care amid rising safety fears.

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