Maha doctors launch week-long protest over Satara doctor suicide, demand safety reforms

The association stated that their protest will be completely peaceful, disciplined, and sensitive to patient care. Emergency and ICU services will continue to function normally during the protest. However, MARD warned that if the government fails to act on its 10-point list of demands, it will join hands with other medical associations and hold a mass protest at Azad Maidan.

According to their press release, the protest schedule will run from October 29 (Wednesday) to November 4 (Tuesday). On October 29, doctors wore black ribbons while on duty to show solidarity. On October 30 (Thursday), awareness banners will be displayed in hospitals, and doctors will wear black tape on their mouths to represent silenced voices.

Also read- Maha doctors hold candle march demanding justice in Satara doctor case

On October 31 (Friday), digital art and rangoli campaigns will be held to spread messages of justice and workplace dignity. Between November 1 and 2 (weekend), a statewide social media drive with hashtags #JusticeForDoctors and #JusticeForPhaltanMO will be launched, followed by a candle march at the Gateway of India and CSMT.

On November 3 (Monday), non-emergency duties will be suspended, though emergency and ICU services will continue. Finally, on November 4 (Tuesday), a large rally will be held across Mumbai, with non-emergency work suspended until the government takes decisive action.

Their 10-point demands include:

1. Immediate SIT Inquiry: The investigation must be transferred to an independent SIT led by a Retired High Court Judge and a senior woman IPS officer, ensuring complete impartiality and public trust.

2. Fast-Track Judicial Process: The case should be tried in a Fast-Track Court at Beed under the supervision of a Special Public Prosecutor, ensuring swift justice.

3. Accountability of Negligent Officials: Departmental and criminal proceedings should be initiated against all officials who failed to act despite repeated written complaints by the deceased Medical Officer. Strict legal action should be taken under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) 2023 Sections 63, 64(2), 74, 75, and 108, ensuring maximum lawful punishment.

4. Systemic Reforms for Doctor Safety: Immediate implementation of the Health Protection Act and establishment of an Independent Medical Grievance Redressal Authority to prevent administrative harassment and misuse of power.

5. Mental Health and Workplace Dignity: Creation of a statewide mental health support system for doctors and strict activation of POSH/ICC Committees at all healthcare institutions to ensure the dignity and safety of women doctors.

6. Transparency and Accountability: All CCTV footage, call records, and official documents related to the case must be preserved and presented to the investigation team to maintain credibility and public confidence.

7. Support to the Bereaved Family: The government must provide a minimum compensation of ₹5 crore and employment to one eligible family member, acknowledging the service and sacrifice of the deceased Medical Officer.

8. Protection of Whistleblowers and Witnesses: All doctors, staff, or individuals assisting the investigation must be given legal and institutional protection from retaliation.

9. Public Disclosure of Findings: The investigation’s findings and judicial progress should be periodically reported to the public to ensure transparency and accountability.

10. Institutional Reforms: Formation of an independent state-level committee to regularly review the working conditions, mental health, and safety of government doctors to prevent future tragedies.

Medical Dialogues has been extensively reporting the details surrounding the doctor’s death and her work-related stress. The woman doctor working at a Phaltan Sub-District Hospital in Maharashtra’s Satara district allegedly died by suicide, leaving a note on her palm, accusing a police officer and a software engineer of rape and mental harassment. Both accused were arrested in connection with the case. 

The doctor, hailing from Beed district in the Marathwada region of central Maharashtra and posted at a government hospital in Satara district, was found hanging in a hotel room in Phaltan town on Thursday night. In the suicide note written on her palm, she alleged that police sub-inspector Badane raped her on multiple occasions, while Bankar, a software engineer, mentally harassed her.

"As the case proceeds, numerous conflicting reports and speculative narratives have emerged through various media sources, creating public confusion and doubts about the impartiality of the investigation. There is also growing concern about possible political and administrative interference, which may compromise the objectivity and transparency of the process. 

In this context, MARD strongly demands the immediate transfer of this case to an independent Special Investigation Team (SIT), operating under judicial supervision, to ensure a transparent, unbiased, and fair investigation that can uphold the truth and deliver justice," stated the press release. 

MARD has also expressed strong concern over the circulation of defamatory and insensitive remarks about the deceased Medical Officer in the media. The association urged media houses, public figures, and officials to maintain dignity, sensitivity, and respect while commenting on the case.

Also read- Satara doctor suicide case: Medical fraternity demands immediate arrest, fair probe