Maha govt to book striking doctors under MESMA

Maharashtra government today issued orders to register cases against the striking medical officers if they fail to resume their services by 8 AM tomorrow, government sources said.
Sources in the the Public Health Department said services of 265 ad hoc medical officers have already been terminated for "breach of contract".
Principal Secretary, Public Health Department, Sujata Saunik has sent a mail to civil surgeons and District Health Officers that the government has issued orders for invoking Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) provisions against the medical officers, who have been on strike since July 1.
She has asked them to file police cases against those who do not resume duties by 8 AM tomorrow.

Police have powers to arrest without warrant under MESMA since it is a cognisable and non-bailable offence.
The medicos, staging protest under banner of Maharashtra Association of Gazetted Medical Officers, are demanding for higher pays, permanent status to Ayurveda and dental health officers and fixed duty hours.