In the week since resident doctors began their protests, their resolve to be heard has only strengthened after an incident of violence against a physician at LTMG Hospital (Sion hospital). “Until our concerns are resolved, we must continue to participate in as many protests as possible,” said Dr Vrushali Navale, a resident at KEM Hospital. At KEM, medical residents in the emergency ward could be overheard informing the relatives of a dialysis patient that their treatment might be affected due to the strike. Dr Gaurang Chaudhary, a KEM resident and vice-president of the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), said, “Patient services are being impacted, but this is not on us. We are striking for the safety of everyone who visits the hospital, including doctors, patients and their kin.”

The medicos had gathered at Shivaji Park for a protest scheduled to begin at 6 pm but it was delayed as MARD officials held a meeting with representatives of the BMC. Dr Neelam Andrade, director of BMC medical colleges, stated, “Security concerns were raised in the meeting. Some measures can be implemented immediately, while others will require more time.”