Stipend delays, safety gaps, poor hostels: MARD flags resident doctors' concerns to Maharashtra govt
Mumbai: A delegation from the Central Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) met the Principal Secretary, Medical Education, Government of Maharashtra, Shri Dhiraj Kumar, and conveyed in detail the pressing concerns faced by resident doctors across Maharashtra, such as stipend delays, security concerns, hostel infrastructure and the overall hospital working environment of resident doctors.
The association has also submitted a recent survey report highlighting key problems faced by the doctors nowadays. The Principal Secretary assured that an online meeting with Central MARD and the Deans of all medical colleges would be convened at the earliest to discuss these concerns and work towards systematic solutions.
Previously, Medical Dialogues reported that the survey was conducted across 18 government medical colleges in Maharashtra. It revealed a consistent 25% shortfall in authorized security personnel. It also confirmed that 33% medical colleges fail timely stipend payments, and 11 %resident doctors feel unsafe.
The delegation highlighted serious issues faced by resident doctors at MPGIMER, GMC Nashik, including stipend-related issues, security concerns, and hostel living conditions. The Principal Secretary assured that these matters would be discussed with the Vice Chancellor, MUHS, and appropriate steps would be taken for early resolution.
Recent complaints raised by resident doctors from the Forensic Medicine & Toxicology (FMT) Department of IGGMC Nagpur and the OBGY Department of JJ Hospital, Mumbai were conveyed. The Principal Secretary informed that the transfer of the concerned FMT faculty member has been completed and assured that no harm or victimization will be allowed against the complainant resident doctors. He further stated that the matter concerning the OBGY Department is under investigation, and an appropriate committee is being constituted.
The long-pending stipend-related issues of the 2022 batch, repeatedly raised by Central MARD, were discussed in detail. The Principal Secretary assured that a meeting would be convened at the earliest to address the issue and that necessary measures would be taken to ensure that such situations do not recur in the future.
“Central MARD appreciates the assurances provided by the Principal Secretary and reiterates its commitment to safeguarding the rights, safety, and dignity of resident doctors across Maharashtra,” the association added.
