Doctors strike over MBBS student murder called off

Yavatmal: The protesting MBBS students, interns and resident doctors from the GMCHs from Nagpur, Akola and Yavatmal called off their strike and resumed their duties on Sunday after the Yavtmal police arrested two youths and detained a minor charged with the murder of Dr Ashok Pal, a final year MBBS student at the Vasantrao Naik Government Medical College in Yavatmal.

The Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported the arrest made by the Yavatmal police on Sunday in relation to the murder case.

Also Read: Minor among 3 arrested for MBBS student murder

The medical students and resident doctors had launched a major strike on Thursday following the incident demanding the immediate arrests of the assailants. Their other demands included adequate compensation to the next of kin of the deceased, foolproof security arrangements, street lights and CCTV installation, construction of compound walls, immediate appointment of regular dean and others.

According to a recent media report in the Times of India, the strike was withdrawn after the Director of Medical Education and Research (DMER) and the Medical Education Ministry decided to take most of their demands into consideration regarding the improvement of security at the college campus.

A statement issued by the junior doctors along with the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) Central Committee read, "Besides the arrest of the murderers, the DMER personally handled the issue till 11pm on Saturday and gave assurance about increasing security guards, CCTVs, and street lights within seven days. It was also assured that the administration of Yavatmal GMCH will give written assurance."

The MARD Central Committee said on Sunday evening that GMC Yavatmal administration provided them with a written assurance in connection with the demands of the medical students, with the committee adding, "So the strike has been called off."

During the interaction of the students with the DMER and a special committee constituted by MUHS vice-chancellor, the medicos said that the dean and his aides were involved in corruption. The students stated that a demand of Rs 15,000 was made from them for receiving permission for internship, passing marks for practicals and others.

After the murder incident, the in-charge dean of the college Dr Milind Kamble had tendered his resignation, as per the demand of the protesting students. HoD and professor of ENT department, Dr Surendra Gawarle was appointed as the new dean.

The newly appointed dean, Dr Gawarle provided a letter to students which noted that all their demands would be fulfilled in a period of seven days.

According to Dr Nitin Jagtap from IGGMCH Nagpur, the number of security guards would be increased as per the statement by DMER director. Along with it, more CCTV's and street lights would be installed in both the GMC's in Nagpur and Akola. Dr. Jagtap also threatened with a Pan Maharashtra agitation if the above mentioned demands would not be fulfilled within a week.

The Central MARD also submitted a letter to the chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday evening, demanding a compensation of Rs 50 lakh to the family members of the deceased medico.

Dr Dnyaneshwar Dhobale Patil, president of Central Committee of MARD added, "It's an irrevocable loss for the poor family. By now, the government should have announced the compensation."

Meanwhile a member of Shiv Sena, Santosh Dhawale was seen threatening the protesting doctors on Tuesday. He was booked by the police after an official complaint was filed against him by the doctors. The police said Dhawale would not be allowed to enter the GMCH premises.

The doctors in Yavatmal alleged that the minister had connections in the medical college which would enable him to influence the investigation. Sources also mentioned that three out of the five arrested people in this case are from the locality of Dhawale itself.

Also Read: MBBS student murder case: GMC Yavatmal medicos strike enters day 2