Resident doctors across Maharashtra have launched an indefinite statewide strike, prompting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to appeal to medical professionals not to disrupt patient care. The protest, led by the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), is against the state's proposal to grant Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) registration to homoeopathy practitioners after completing a bridge course. The strike has affected services at several government and civic-run hospitals, raising concerns over healthcare delivery across the state. Key Highlights MARD launches an indefinite statewide strike in Maharashtra. CM Devendra Fadnavis urges doctors to continue treating patients. Protest is against the proposal to grant MMC registration to eligible homoeopathy practitioners. Resident doctors oppose what they describe as 'cross-pathy'. OPD and non-emergency services have been impacted at several hospitals. Emergency and critical care services continue at most medical facilities. Why Are Maharashtra Doctors Protesting? The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has opposed the government's proposal to allow homoeopathy practitioners, after completing a prescribed bridge course, to receive registration with the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC). Doctors argue that the move could encourage cross-pathy, where practitioners trained in one medical system are permitted to practise another, potentially compromising patient safety and medical standards. MARD has demanded that the government withdraw the proposal before ending the strike. CM Devendra Fadnavis Appeals to Doctors Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed to resident doctors to avoid disrupting healthcare services, stressing that patients should not suffer because of the ongoing dispute. He assured that the government is willing to hold discussions with representatives of MARD while urging doctors to resume their duties in the interest of public health. Impact on Healthcare Services The strike has affected services at several government hospitals, BMC hospitals, and medical colleges across Maharashtra. Patients have reported delays in: Outpatient Department (OPD) consultations Elective surgeries Routine medical check-ups Non-emergency hospital services However, hospitals have continued to operate emergency departments and intensive care units to ensure critically ill patients receive treatment. Timeline Earlier: Maharashtra government proposes granting MMC registration to eligible homoeopathy practitioners after a bridge course. Following the Proposal: MARD opposes the move, calling it a case of cross-pathy. Latest: Resident doctors begin an indefinite statewide strike. Current Update: CM Devendra Fadnavis urges doctors to return to work while discussions with MARD continue. What Is Cross-Pathy? Cross-pathy refers to practitioners trained in one system of medicine being permitted to practise another medical discipline. Medical associations have long debated the issue, with many allopathic doctors arguing that separate systems of medicine require distinct training and licensing to ensure patient safety. What Happens Next? The Maharashtra government is expected to hold further discussions with MARD to resolve the deadlock. Until an agreement is reached, resident doctors have indicated that the strike will continue, though emergency healthcare services are expected to remain operational.
