Resident govt doctors in Maharashtra call off strike

Doctors affiliated to Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) at 14 state-run medical colleges in Maharashtra today called off their strike following the High Court order and the state government's decision to invoke stringent MESM Act against the agitators.
However, resident doctors at municipal corporation hospitals have refused to relent.
Medical Education Minister Vijaykumar Gavit said talks were on between the deans of civic hospitals and the MARD.
Ordinance invoking Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) was issued last night. Director of Health Services at Mumbai municipal corporation had been directed to invoke the act if the striking doctors at civic hospitals did not report to work tomorrow, Gavit said, adding that he hoped the doctors would not force the government to take the stand.

The minister said the government would fulfill assurances given to MARD on April 22, the day before the strike started.
The government has agreed to hike the doctors' stipend, which at present ranges between Rs 31,000 to Rs 35,000 per month, by Rs 5,000 per month. The cabinet would decide when the hike would come into effect, Gavit said.
MARD had demanded basic pay of Rs 15,500 against the present Rs 6,500, and facilities on par with resident doctors of central government institutions.