Bombay HC Order Ends Doctors' Strike

The Bombay High Court has directed the doctors' bodies to withdraw their ongoing agitation over the proposed registration of CCMP-qualified BHMS practitioners with the Maharashtra Medical Council.

As a result, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors, Central MARD, and the Indian Medical Association Maharashtra have called off their strike.

Over 7,000 resident doctors across Maharashtra have resumed work, restoring routine healthcare services at government medical colleges and hospitals.

Resident doctors at major government hospitals in Mumbai, including KEM, Sion, Nair, JJ Hospital, and St George Hospital, have resumed routine OPDs, IPDs, elective surgeries, academic activities, Central Laboratory services, and other non-emergency services.

Emergency and casualty services had remained operational throughout the agitation.

The decision to withdraw the present form of protest was taken in compliance with the directions of the High Court and without prejudice to the doctors' demands and legal rights.

The Indian Medical Association Maharashtra, which had been on strike since August 4, also announced the suspension of its agitation, respecting the appeal made by the Acting Chief Justice.

While complying with the High Court's directions, Central MARD said it was not inclined to withdraw the agitation on merits but would abide by the court's order.

The implementation of the government's decision to register CCMP-qualified BHMS practitioners has made little progress, with only one practitioner receiving registration from the Maharashtra Medical Council in the past three days.

The registration process has been delayed due to the unavailability of the MMC Registrar.

The doctors' bodies have reiterated their opposition to the proposed registration, stating that it raises serious concerns over patient safety and the practice of modern medicine.

The protest will continue through other lawful and democratic means.

The Bombay High Court's order has brought relief to patients and restored normalcy to healthcare services in the state.

The issue highlights the ongoing debate over the registration of alternative medicine practitioners and the need for clear regulations to ensure patient safety and maintain the standards of modern medicine.

The resolution of the strike is a significant development for the healthcare sector in Maharashtra, and the state government will need to address the concerns of the doctors' bodies to find a long-term solution to the issue.