HC asks Maha to resolve issues of doctors from state hospitals

A division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice Anoop Mohta was hearing a public interest litigation(PIL) filed by Afak Mandaviya against the proposed strike of government doctors.

The strike which was to begin today has been postponed till February 15.

"What do you propose to do about their (doctors) grievances? Why don't you try to resolve it immediately? The doctors say they have submitted their representations regarding their problems to the grievance redressal cell six months back," the chief justice said.

Additional government pleader Geeta Shastri told the court that the doctors are demanding more stipend and increased security in the hospital premises to avoid problems with family members who resort to violence sometimes when a patient dies.

The court suggested the state government and municipal corporation officials to sit together and work out a solution, as doctors from civic hospitals may also be facing a similar problem.

The bench has directed the government to submit a report on steps taken by it to resolve the issue by February 6.

The court also directed the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) to refrain from going on strike if their problems are resolved.

Mandaviya, in his petition, sought direction to the government to invoke the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act against striking doctors.

"It is necessary that the issue of going on strike/ mass bunking by doctors affiliated to MARD be decided once and for all, so that in the future it should not cause inconvenience to the poor and needy patients who come for treatment in government and municipal hospitals," said petitioner's advocate Datta Mane.