Maharashtra Doctors Call for Indefinite Strike Over Homeopathy Registration Controversy
The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has initiated an indefinite strike starting August 5, protesting the state government's decision to register homeopathy doctors with the Maharashtra Medical Council. This action is expected to disrupt healthcare services significantly across the state, particularly in major hospitals in Mumbai. MARD is demanding a halt to the registration process until a court ruling is made, emphasizing patient safety and adherence to legal standards. Emergency services will remain operational for the first 24 hours, but other medical services will be suspended, raising concerns about the impact on healthcare in various districts.
| Aug 5, 2026, 11:24 IST
Indefinite Strike Announced by Resident Doctors
The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has declared an indefinite statewide strike starting August 5 in response to the state government's decision to register homeopathy doctors with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC). This strike is expected to severely disrupt healthcare services across the state, particularly in major hospitals in Mumbai, including KEM, Sion, Nair, and JJ hospitals, as well as in government medical colleges.
MARD has expressed frustration, stating that despite multiple discussions with the government, no substantial resolution has been reached. They argue that implementing the BHMS-CCMP registration policy without a clear legal and regulatory framework, especially while the matter is still pending in court, jeopardizes patient safety.
Demands and Emergency Services
MARD is demanding an immediate halt to the BHMS-CCMP registration process until a final court ruling is made. The organization is also calling for solutions to longstanding issues faced by resident doctors across the state. They have assured that emergency and casualty services will remain operational for the first 24 hours of the strike (specifically on August 5) to avoid significant inconvenience to patients. However, outpatient department (OPD) services, routine duties, elective surgeries, and academic activities will be completely suspended. If no positive resolution is achieved, emergency services will also cease from August 6, and all resident doctors will join the indefinite strike.
MARD has clarified that their movement is not against any specific medical practice or its practitioners; rather, it aims to ensure patient safety, adherence to scientific standards, and compliance with legal procedures.
Impact on Government Hospital Services
The strike by the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) will affect non-emergency services in government hospitals statewide. The services at four municipal hospitals in Mumbai, operated by the BMC, will also be impacted as their doctors will participate in the strike.
As part of the protest, outpatient department (OPD) services in government medical colleges and hospitals will remain closed until further notice. The strike is anticipated to last for an extended period, and unless their demands are met, healthcare services in government hospitals across Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, and other districts are likely to suffer significantly.