Maharashtra resident doctors will launch an indefinite statewide strike from midnight on August 5, protesting the Maharashtra government's proposal to grant Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) registration to homeopathy practitioners who complete the Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP). PTI reported that the agitation, led by the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), has received support from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Maharashtra State Resident Doctors Association (MSRDA), Association of State Medical Interns (ASMI), and several other medical organizations. The strike is expected to affect routine services at government medical college hospitals across the state.

Also see: IMA Maharashtra Threatens Statewide Shutdown Over Homeopathy Doctors' MMC Registration

According to a statement issued by Central MARD, as reported by PTI, repeated discussions with the Maharashtra government failed to yield satisfactory assurances on implementing the BHMS-CCMP policy. The association has called for the immediate suspension of the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) registration process for eligible BHMS practitioners until the court delivers its final verdict.

Explaining its decision, Central MARD said, "In the absence of a clear legal and regulatory framework, and with the matter currently pending before the courts, Central MARD has decided to commence a statewide indefinite strike from midnight of August 5."

Under the protest plan, emergency and casualty services will continue during the first 24 hours, while outpatient departments (OPDs), elective procedures, routine clinical duties, and academic activities at government medical college hospitals across Maharashtra will remain suspended. Central MARD added that if the impasse continues, all resident doctor services, including emergency care, will be withdrawn from August 6 until further directions.

The dispute centers on a June 30 notification issued by the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), allowing eligible BHMS practitioners to prescribe modern medicines after completing a six-month Certificate Course in Modern Pharmacology (CCMP).

According to The Indian Express, Indian Medical Association (IMA) Maharashtra President Dr. Santosh Kulkarni said the proposal has alarmed the allopathic medical community. "This is perceived by the allopathic medical fraternity as compromising the standards, integrity and scientific foundation of modern medicine, with potentially serious long-term consequences for public health and patient safety," he said.

Central MARD has clarified that its agitation is not directed against homeopathy or its practitioners. In its statement, the association said, "The movement is solely aimed at ensuring that any policy affecting patient care is implemented only after due legal scrutiny, scientific evaluation, and establishment of an appropriate regulatory framework."

With the matter still pending before the courts, routine services at government medical college hospitals across Maharashtra are set to remain disrupted as the indefinite strike begins. Central MARD has stated that while emergency and casualty services will continue during the first 24 hours, all resident doctor services, including emergency care, will be withdrawn from August 6 if no resolution is reached.

(Rh/TP/MSM)