Maharashtra Resident Doctors Announce Indefinite Statewide Strike Starting August 5; Here's Why
The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors announced an indefinite statewide strike starting August 5 to protest the granting of MMC registration to homoeopaths for prescribing modern medicine. Emergency services will halt on August 6 if demands are unmet. 'All resident doctor services, including emergency services, will be withdrawn until further directions from Central MAR,' the statement said.
The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has announced an indefinite statewide strike starting at midnight on August 5 to protest the government's proposal to grant Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) registration to homoeopathy practitioners. While emergency and casualty services will be maintained for the first 24 hours to ensure patient safety, outpatient department (OPD) services, routine duties, and academic activities across government medical college hospitals will remain suspended.
MARD Cites Regulatory Concerns and Pending Court Matters
According to a formal statement released by Central MARD, the decision comes after multiple rounds of discussions with the government and concerned authorities failed to yield satisfactory assurances regarding the BHMS-CCMP (Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology) policy. Why Is Maharashtra FDA Targeting Restaurants? Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe Explains.
"In the absence of a clear legal and regulatory framework, and with the matter currently pending before the courts, Central MARD has decided to commence a statewide indefinite strike from midnight of August 5," the statement read. The controversy stems from a June 30 notification issued by the Maharashtra Medical Council, which permitted homoeopathic practitioners to prescribe modern medicines after completing a six-month CCMP course.
Core Demands and Strike Escalation Plan
MARD has called for the immediate suspension of the BHMS-CCMP registration process pending a final court verdict. The organisation maintains that any integration policy must be backed by a transparent, scientifically validated, and legally sound framework. Additionally, the association has urged the state government to address longstanding grievances affecting resident doctors across Maharashtra. To minimise immediate disruption, emergency services will remain operational during the first 24 hours of the strike. However, the association warned that escalation is imminent if a resolution is not reached. DY Patil Dies: Maharashtra Educationist and Former Governor Passes Away at 90, PM Narendra Modi Expresses Grief.
"In the absence of a positive resolution, from August 6 onwards, all resident doctor services, including emergency services, will be withdrawn until further directions from Central MARD," the statement said. Emphasising that the protest targets regulatory oversight rather than medical practitioners themselves, MARD stated, "The movement is solely aimed at ensuring that any policy affecting patient care is implemented only after due legal scrutiny, scientific evaluation, and establishment of an appropriate regulatory framework."
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 04, 2026 10:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
