Resident doctors of JJ hospital went on an indefinite mass bunk from Sunday, after 12 doctors from the ophthalmology department complained of mental harassment by head of the department and dean of the hospital, Dr TP Lahane. In a letter to the state medical education minister, Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) at JJ also requested for Lahane's transfer with immediate effect.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra State Medical Teachers' Association (MSMTA) has called the strike unethical. "It is unfortunate to see a conflict between teachers and trainee resident students over departmental issues, putting patients' care at stake. We condemn this strike, which is not only unfortunate but unethical. It is hampering the very purpose of our noble profession," said MSMTA president Dr Eknath Pawar.
After the resident doctors stopped the work, senior doctors had to step in on Sunday. The hospital authorities said that scheduled operations will be cancelled to concentrate on outdoor patients and emergency operations.
Additional chief secretary of the State Medical Education and Drugs Department, Medha Gadgil, visited the hospital along with DMER director Dr Pravin Shingare.
Shingare said, "Our department's additional chief secretary interacted with MARD members on strike. She categorically said that an inquiry will be conducted but the doctors should get back to work. We reviewed the medical care at the hospital. Because it was a Sunday, the situation was under control."
Meanwhile speaking to dna, Dr Lahane said, "We are seven senior doctors, who take 70 lectures – 10 each. Three of the resident doctors have not been attending the lectures. They have repeatedly made mistakes in the past. A college-level inquiry was commissioned on April 2 against these resident doctors."
The resident doctors, however, maintained they will continue with the mass bunk till a strong decision in this regard was taken.
"Our colleagues have been facing a torturous work environment and incessant mental harassment at the hands of the department head and dean. In spite of long working hours and performing their duties, the resident doctors are repeatedly insulted and harassed with unprovoked personal comments about them and their families," said the MARD press release.
