The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Maharashtra has announced a 24-hour statewide suspension of routine medical services in protest against the recent assault on doctors and healthcare workers at Shastrinagar Municipal Hospital in Dombivli.
The strike will begin at 6 AM on July 20 and continue until 6 AM on July 21, with doctors across the state participating in the protest against growing concerns over the safety of medical professionals.
The decision comes after an alleged attack on healthcare workers at the Dombivli hospital, which has once again raised concerns about violence against doctors and hospital staff. The IMA has strongly condemned the incident, stating that such attacks create an unsafe working environment for those providing essential medical care.
However, the association has clarified that the protest will not affect critical healthcare services. Emergency departments, intensive care units (ICUs), maternity services, and all life-saving treatments will continue to function as usual during the period of the strike.
The IMA Maharashtra has called for stronger measures to protect healthcare workers, including stricter laws against violence in hospitals, improved security arrangements at medical facilities, and better enforcement of existing protections for doctors and hospital staff.
Doctors have repeatedly highlighted incidents of aggression and violence in hospitals, saying that healthcare professionals often work under immense pressure and should be able to perform their duties without fear.
Through the statewide protest, the IMA aims to draw attention to the issue and urge authorities to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of medical personnel.
The association has appealed for public support while assuring that patients requiring urgent and critical care will continue to receive medical assistance without disruption. The protest is expected to put renewed focus on the need for stronger safeguards for healthcare workers across Maharashtra.
