BHMS Doctors Lock Themselves In At Maharashtra Medical Council

A standoff occurred at the Maharashtra Medical Council office in Chinchpokli on Thursday evening when BHMS doctors locked themselves inside the conference room. The protest was over the registration of BHMS doctors holding the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP).

The Integrated Doctors Association (N) had been invited to the MMC office to discuss the long-pending registration of CCMP-qualified BHMS practitioners. The meeting followed discussions with Maharashtra Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif at Mantralaya earlier this week.

Dr. Amol Ambekar, Secretary of the Integrated Doctors Association (N), claimed that the delegation reached the MMC office around 10 a.m. and met MMC Registrar Dr. Rakesh Waghmare. However, Dr. Waghmare left for Mantralaya, telling them he would return with the minutes of the meeting and the government's decision.

The doctors waited for hours, but Dr. Waghmare did not return. By 6 p.m., MMC officials asked the delegation to leave and return later, but the representatives refused, insisting on receiving the minutes of the morning meeting and clarity on their demand.

With no response forthcoming, the doctors locked themselves inside the conference room and declared that they would not leave until a decision was communicated. The standoff lasted for nearly an hour before a senior Mantralaya official intervened over the phone and assured the protesters that the issue would be resolved by Monday or Tuesday next week.

Following the assurance, the delegation ended its protest and vacated the premises. Dr. Ambekar maintained that the agitation remained peaceful throughout. No one was harmed, no property was damaged, and the entire incident has been captured on the council's CCTV cameras.

When contacted, MMC Registrar Dr. Rakesh Waghmare said he was not present at the council office when the protest took place. He confirmed that the Maharashtra Medical Council has not lodged any police complaint in connection with Thursday's incident.

The registration of BHMS doctors holding the CCMP has been a long-pending issue. The protest highlights the frustration of the doctors who have been waiting for a decision on their registration. The assurance given by the senior Mantralaya official has brought temporary relief to the doctors, but the issue remains unresolved.

The Maharashtra Medical Council is responsible for regulating medical practice in the state. The council's decision on the registration of BHMS doctors holding the CCMP will have a significant impact on the medical profession in the state.

In conclusion, the protest by BHMS doctors at the Maharashtra Medical Council office has brought attention to the long-pending issue of their registration. The assurance given by the senior Mantralaya official has brought temporary relief, but the issue remains unresolved. The Maharashtra Medical Council's decision on the matter will be closely watched by the medical profession in the state.