Maha govt warns striking doctors of expulsion from hostels

Maharashtra government today warned eviction of the agitating resident doctors from their hostels if they do not report to work by tomorrow morning.
Resident doctors across the state are on strike since April 23, over various demands including increase in stipend.
"Today there was confusion among the students. After the High Court order asking the resident doctors to resume their work, many in Pune, Miraj, Nagpur and at J J Hospital (in Mumbai) joined in the morning and left around afternoon. While some urged not to reveal their names and agreed to join duty," Medical Education Minister Vijay Kumar Gavit said here.

However, resident doctors from super speciality faculties took away even those who had joined the duty, he alleged.
Gavit also said he had asked authorities to inform the striking doctors' parents, in writing, that their wards had disobeyed court's orders and were holding patients to ransom.
"If they fail to resume their duties, their registration number would be cancelled," he said.

The government would wait till tomorrow evening before taking further action, Gavit said.
On April 23, striking doctors in Nanded and at Indira Gandhi Medical College in Nagpur were given notices to vacate hostels.
The minister said government can take action against resident doctors if they remain absent without informing, or go on strike, or 'for reasons like that'. "The striking doctors say they are on 'mass bunk'. This can fall under 'reasons like that'."

About the earlier warning that government may invoke Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act, he said it could be done later. "We are consulting the law and judiciary department on this by way of caution."
Gavit said the government had accepted most demands, including about enhanced security, bond provisions, OBC tuition fee, and an increase of Rs 5,000 in gross stipend.
"How can medical students who are entitled only to stipend demand basic pay of Rs 15,500 and dearness allowance," he asked.