‘Will You Bring Back Lives Lost?’: Bombay High Court Ends Maharashtra Doctors’ Strike, OPDs Resume (Video)

Routine healthcare services across public and civic hospitals in Mumbai and wider Maharashtra resumed operations on Friday after the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) called off its indefinite strike. The decision came after a stern intervention by the Bombay High Court, which warned that patient care cannot be compromised due to medical agitations.

The withdrawal brings immediate relief to thousands of patients across state- and municipal-run facilities-including KEM, Nair, Cooper, and JJ Hospitals-where outpatient departments (OPDs), elective surgeries, diagnostic laboratories, and inpatient admissions had experienced severe disruptions. Maharashtra Doctors Escalate Protest After Talks with Officials; Withdraw Routine Services Across Civic Hospitals.

High Court Observations on Patient Care

A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad took suo motu cognisance of the strike. During the hearing, the court underscored that while individuals have a legal right to protest, it cannot come at the expense of human lives.

"We are worried about the health of thousands of patients across Maharashtra," the bench remarked. "Tomorrow you may succeed in your agitation, but will you be able to bring back the lives of patients who die during a strike?"

Following these observations and a warning regarding potential administrative action, representatives from MARD and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) agreed to withdraw the protest and instruct doctors to report back to duty immediately.

Restoration of Medical Operations

Following the court's directions, Central MARD and BMC MARD issued statements confirming the full restoration of routine OPDs, elective surgical procedures, central laboratory services, and fever clinics. Emergency wards and ICU units, which were largely maintained by senior faculty and medical interns during the brief standstill, are back to full staffing capacity. "Any Protest That Hampers Patient's Treatment is Inappropriate:" Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Doctors' Strike.

MARD Suspends Agitation Over Homeopath Registration

VIDEO | Mumbai: Hospital services resume after the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) called off its strike following the Bombay High Court's intervention. Visuals from Sion Hospital.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/SqXQRd22FS

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 7, 2026

Hospital administrators across Mumbai confirmed that patient intake queues stabilized by Friday morning, with queued elective procedures being rescheduled.

The resident doctors were protesting against the state government's decision to permit Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) practitioners-who have completed a Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP)-to register with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC).

Allopathic associations, including MARD and the IMA, contend that allowing homeopathy graduates to prescribe modern allopathic medicines blurs professional boundaries and poses risks to patient safety due to differences in clinical training. Conversely, homeopathic associations welcome the move, maintaining that the prescribed bridge course provides adequate training for specified modern drugs and helps bridge healthcare shortages in rural and underserved areas.

Future Steps and Judicial Review

While resuming work, MARD clarified that its strike was suspended solely in deference to the High Court's directive, and that its opposition to the policy remains unchanged.

To address the underlying grievance, the High Court directed the implementation of an August 3 Government Resolution establishing a multi-stakeholder committee. This committee—comprising representatives from the IMA, resident doctor associations, and state health officials—is tasked with formulating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding the registration process.

The High Court has appointed amicus curiae to assist with legal arguments on doctor strikes and scheduled further hearings to review the matter.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 07, 2026 09:12 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).