Central MARD threatens to go on strike after doctor is beaten up by patient's kin

After an on-duty resident doctor was beaten up by angry relatives of a patient in Nagpur's Government Medical College, Central Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) demanded armed guards in sensitive areas, complete security reformation, along with implementation of the Doctors' Protection Act.

While the doctors in Nagpur are on strike, Central MARD planned to go on strike if the demands are not met within three days. MARD says that this is the eight assualt on on-duty doctors since 2013, in Maharashtra.

Dr Santosh Wakchaure, president of MARD said, "We condemn the incident and want the authorities to take stringent steps. We have been asking the authorities to provide adequate security."

The MARD said that they have been demanding the mplementation of the Doctors' Protection Act, but nothing positive has happened so far.

On Monday evening, Dr Amit Bahepi was allegedly manhandled by a patient's relatives following an argument. Bahepi works with the medicine department in the hospital.

MARD has written to the state government about their demands. Dr Wakchaure said, "If demands of resident doctors are not fulfilled in three days, MARD will take a harsh decision that may be in the form of an indefinite strike all over Maharashtra."