MUMBAI: The indefinite strike by resident doctors in the State continued for the eighth day on Monday, even as the Government started walk-in interviews for fresh recruitments.

The resident doctors are also seeking legal advice to challenge the imposition of the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA). The Government has so far sent nearly 800 termination notices to resident doctors all over the State.

Assurance sought

Members of the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) held a meeting on Monday to decide on the course of action. MARD members told the press that they were still hoping for a written assurance from the Government. Dr. Ajay Ovhal, general secretary, central MARD, said the Government was making a joke of public sentiments by recruiting doctors not suitably skilled.

Bail granted

On Saturday, 42 resident doctors, who are members of the MARD, approached the Sewri Sessions Court for anticipatory bail. The court granted them interim relief and directed that they not be arrested till March 8 when the matter comes up for hearing. According to MARD advocate Raghuraj Deshpande, most of the doctors are MARD's office-bearers and feared that they would be arrested. Also, under MESMA there is no provision for bail.

Move to suppress stir

He said MARD condemned the Government attempt to suppress the strike by serving termination notices to doctors and by giving a different picture to the media.

Last week, the striking doctors were denied permission to conduct parallel out patient departments (OPD)s, and even a candle lit protest.

Seeking public support

The doctors are also trying to get the public's support. On help being taken from doctors from the Navy and the public health services, Dr. Ovhal said they might not be suitably skilled to cater to the needs of a public hospital.

MARD was open to talks and so far two mediators had tried to solve the deadlock.

"We are just waiting for word from the Government that they have agreed to our demands," he added.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail