98% Public Support Us! – On an Opinion Poll on Radio Mirchi, the listeners were asked what they thought about the termination and eviction notices. An overwhelming 98% replies favoured doctors saying that the authorities were wrong in taking such harsh action.
Doctors Evicted! – 33 residents from Bhagwati hospital were evicted from their rooms as a follow-up to the termination notice. The authorities continued their ‘Divide-and-Rule’ policy by targeting a few residents at a time. However, this action has backfired with the strike becoming more intense and the public increasingly questioning the Government’s attitude.
AMC To The Rescue – The Association of Medical Consultants has stepped in in support of the evicted residents and provided them with food and shelter.
“We Have Packed Our Bags” – The residents of Nair Hospital organized a ‘Bag Protest’ in which they demonstrated with their bags in a show of solidarity with the Bhagwati residents. It was also a message to the authorities that the residents will continue the strike despite the threat of eviction.
Eye Donation Camp – Residents of IGMC, Nagpur organized an Eye Donation Camp in which 127 residents pledged their eyes. In addition, 15 units of blood were collected.
Parallel OPD In Aurangabad - Resident doctors of GMC Aurangabad conducted a parallel OPD on Tuesday outside their hospital campus which had an overwhelming response of around 500 patients. But they were forced to evacuate the premises by the police officials. No incidences of violence were reported.
Candle March & Blood Donation Camp - Resident doctors of GMC Aurangabad protested against the Government’s indifferent attitude towards the resident doctors by carrying out a candle light march silently inside their hospital campus. They also plan to conduct a blood donation camp on Wednesday.
Parallel OPD In Bandra Bhabha Hospital - Parallel OPD has been started by the resident doctors of the Bandra Bhabha hospital. Around 101 patients had already reported till yesterday afternoon. Patients were given free drugs. In the ENT OPD, the resident removed a foreign body from the ear of a patient!
Parallel OPD in GMC Nagpur – GMC Nagpur has started Parallel OPD. Thus residents of GMC, Nagpur have become completely involved in the strike immediately after joining it.
Black Flag March – JJ Hospital residents conducted a march with black flags in the residents’ hands in protest against the Government. The March ended with an excellent street play. Parallel OPDs continued in JJ with nearly 350 patients receiving care today.
Protest March Disallowed - A democratic protest march was organized at KEM hospital where more than 350 doctors protested against the Government’s stand. But the march had to be called off as the permission was denied by both the authorities as well as the Dean. A similar protest march in Sion Hospital was also disallowed by the authorities.
Taking The Message To The Public – KEM Hospital residents conducted a street play at Phoenix Mills thus continuing their efforts at public awareness.
Nair Residents Continue Activities – Nair Hospital residents conducted street plays at Agripada and Mumbai Central areas. They also displayed posters and distributed pamphlets among the people. At Girgaum Chowpatty, the Police interrupted the play citing security reasons. Many members of the crowd openly objected to the Police actions.
The Seniors Are With Us – Senior faculty members of DY PATIL Medical College demonstrated their support by wearing black bands today.
Suggestions: The strike is stronger than ever as we enter the 10th day today. How can we intensify it further? Please send your suggestions to mardtoday@gmail.com. Let’s exercise our brains and come up with innovative ideas!
