Mumbai, July 19: If you have a routine doctor’s appointment in Maharashtra on Monday, it may be worth checking with your hospital before heading out.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Maharashtra, has announced a 24-hour suspension of routine OPD services across the state on July 20. The decision comes days after doctors and healthcare workers were allegedly assaulted at Shastrinagar Municipal Hospital in Dombivli, an incident that has triggered widespread outrage within the medical community.
The association said the protest is aimed at drawing attention to the growing number of attacks on healthcare professionals and the need for stronger protection inside hospitals. Doctors have demanded strict action against those responsible for the assault.
Patients, however, are unlikely to face disruption in emergency care. The IMA has clarified that emergency departments, ICUs, labour rooms, trauma care and inpatient services will continue to function as usual, with only routine outpatient consultations expected to be affected.
The protest follows an alleged attack on medical staff at the Dombivli civic hospital, where doctors claim they were assaulted while performing their duties. The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of healthcare workers, an issue that medical associations say has become increasingly common across the country.
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Hospital authorities have advised patients with non-urgent appointments to contact their respective hospitals or clinics before visiting on Monday. Those requiring emergency medical attention will continue to receive treatment without interruption.
The IMA said it hopes the protest will prompt authorities to strengthen security measures in hospitals and ensure that healthcare professionals can work without fear of violence.