Even though the State government has threatened to terminate the services of doctors on strike if they do not return to work, the medicos who are staging protest under banner of Maharashtra Association of Gazetted Medical Officers (MAGMO) are not ready to back-out from the strike.
Also read: On Doctor's Day, 12,000 doctors in Maharashtra go on indefinite strike; hospitals on a standstill
The health Minister has given orders to hire contractual doctors, if the doctors' on strike are not back to work. “Government is positive about doctors' demands, and they should get back to work tomorrow, or else action under Maharashtra essential Services and Maintenance Act (MESMA) will be taken.” said Health minister, Suresh Shetty told mediapersons.
Also read: Doctors' strike continues on day six; 219 doctors dismissed
Although the government had asked doctors to return to work by Sunday morning, failing to which the action against 265 doctors under the MESMA were taken. But still the doctors have continued their strike on the 7th day, refusing to get back to work.
President and General Secretary of MAGMO, Dr Rajesh Gaikwad said, “some of the doctors have received notices, but they have not adhered to it. Until the five demands are accepted, we are not going to resume work. If the action under MESMA continues, medical officers will give mass resignations.”
The government has given orders to the district level authorities to begin the process from Monday to appoint new doctors. “Earlier, the government had tried to hire doctors on a contract basis, but they could not get more than 100 doctors," said a MAGMO member.
Around 12,000 medical officers, including permanent employees, temporary employees and 'bonded' doctors, went on an indefinite strike from July 1 in the state, parlaying health services.
Meanwhile, till yesterday 265 doctors have been suspended for continuing the strike.
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