IMA Maharashtra calls 24-hour statewide strike on July 20 over Thane Hospital assault
Mumbai: Days after the alleged assault on doctors and medical staff at Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC)-run Shastrinagar Hospital, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Maharashtra has announced a 24-hour statewide suspension of routine medical services on July 20, 2026.
The protest will be observed from 6:00 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, until 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. During this protest, all routine outpatient department (OPD) services and elective procedures will remain suspended across the state. The association has clarified that emergency medical services, intensive care units (ICUs), maternity services, and all life-saving treatments will continue to function without disruption.
This protest will be supported by doctors from Allopathy, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and all other systems of medicine, along with various medical associations, nursing associations, paramedical staff, healthcare workers, and several organisations associated with the healthcare sector.
IMA Maharashtra State categorically states that this decision is not against the common patients. It is aimed at making healthcare services in the state free from violence, ensuring justice for the victims of violence, and securing a safe working environment for medical professionals, the press release stated.
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that a local court granted bail to the Shiv Sena corporator arrested in connection with the alleged assault on doctors and medical staff at Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC)-run Shastrinagar Hospital, directing him to furnish a bond of Rs 50,000. The association has demanded that immediate, strict, and impartial legal action be taken against all the accused involved in the attack at Dombivli Shastrinagar Municipal Hospital.
The association also demanded that immediate and effective amendments be made to the Maharashtra Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2010. The Act needs stronger, preventive reforms. Key suggestions include mandatory FIR registration, treating serious assaults and weapon-related offences as cognizable and non-bailable, completing investigations within 30–60 days, fast-tracking case disposal, and ensuring effective compensation and damage recovery. The Government and the Public Prosecutor should request the Court to conduct fast-track proceedings.
Other demands include immediate measures to curb political interference, intimidation, coercion, enhanced budgetary allocation for strengthening Government hospitals, mandatory recruitment of permanent, trained, and effective 24×7 security systems in all Government and private hospitals, and A strict statewide implementation of the "Zero Tolerance Against Healthcare Violence" policy.
Furthermore, the association demanded that a comprehensive, effective, and stringent Central Comprehensive Healthcare Violence Prevention Act applicable across the country should be enacted without delay. The Government must provide legal and administrative assurance that doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, and all healthcare workers can render their services in a safe, dignified, and fearless environment. A detailed memorandum outlining all the demands of IMA Maharashtra State, along with an action plan, will be released separately shortly. The safety of healthcare workers is the foundation of safe patient care.
IMA Maharashtra State issues a clear warning to the Government that if concrete and positive decisions are not taken on the above demands, an indefinite statewide agitation will commence across Maharashtra from 9 August 2026. All organisations associated with the healthcare sector will unite under the banner of the "United Medical Front" and participate in the movement. If necessary, a statewide shutdown of medical services will be implemented by suspending all medical services unless a concrete measure is taken.
