Resident doctors in Maharashtra on indefinite strike from October 1, demands include waiver of fees

The month of October has begun with a wave of an indefinite strike by the Maharashtra State Association of Resident Doctors (MARD). The association said that their primary demand is a waiver of academic fees.

Speaking to ANI, Dr Akshay Yadav, a member of MARD, said, "Our primary demand is academic fees should be waived off. Hostel conditions should be improved as they're not good."

He further said, "TDS should not be deducted from the stipend of resident doctors of BMC hospitals. Government and a few Corporation hospitals have not received COVID incentives." Yadav also said that the higher authorities of the ministry have called them for a meeting to discuss the matter on October 1. "But we want written assurances from the government," he added.

The doctors have also threatened to intensify their protest if they do not get written assurance over the fulfilment of their demands. They also promised that any emergency services will not be affected due to the protest.