In a recent update, the organisation of resident doctors in Maharashtra known as the Maharashtra State Association of Resident Doctors (Central MARD) has cancelled its indefinite strike that was supposed to take place on February 7, 2024.
In a press note released by the Central MARD, the members of the organization had a meeting with the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar today who assured the resident doctors that their tuition fees will be paid regularly on a fixed date every month along with a substantial increase of Rs 10,000 on their monthly stipend.
Dr. Abhijit Helge, the head of the Central MARD organization told the Free Press Journal that during the two-hour meeting, specific documents were presented to the Deputy CM to ensure the fulfillment of the commitments related to the stipend and hostel issues of the residents. "We expect them to take immediate action, and we have given a 10-day ultimatum for the management to fulfill their promises. If they fail to do so, we will initiate a strike," Helge told FPJ.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar chaired a meeting to address the demands of the resident doctors at his office on February 7, 2024. The meeting was attended by Minister of Medical Education Hasan Mushrif, Principal Secretary of Planning Department Saurabh Vijay, Principal Secretary of Medical Education Department Dinesh Waghmare, Director of Directorate of Medical Education and Research Dr. Dilip Mhaisekar, and officials of the Central Mard Organization.
According to the Central MARD organisation, Pawar emphasised the importance of addressing complaints about hostels associated with medical colleges. He stressed the urgent need to repair the resident doctors' hostels and called for immediate action by the Public Works Department.
The Public Works Department will commence repairing postgraduate student hostels and will also take steps to promptly begin the construction of new hostels. As an urgent solution, the Deans and Commissioners of Medical Education and Research have been notified about leasing a building near the college and arranging hostels through the relevant authorities.
