The dispute between resident doctors and top faculty of the ophthalmology department at JJ hospital is poised to disrupt the entire healthcare provided at govt hospitals and medical colleges, as the Maharashtra State Resident Doctors Association (MARD) threatened a statewide strike if authorities don’t respond to a letter of demands in 24 hours.

The dean of JJ hospital has summoned all honorary teachers from the ophthalmology department to confirm whether they have submitted their resignations. The doctors concerned have informed the hospital authorities that they will be present on Friday. The strike, initiated by JJ MARD, persists as resident doctors stand firm on their demand for the transfer of Dr Ragini Parekh, the head of the Ophthalmology Department, and Dr T P Lahane, the former dean.