Resident doctors have also become aggressive against the state government's decision to recognize homeopathic doctors as 'modern medical practitioners' after completing a one-year bridge course in pharmacology. The resident doctors' association 'MARD' has warned that a statewide agitation will be launched if this decision is not withdrawn. 'MARD' has sent a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the National Medical Commission in this regard.
After the Indian Medical Association warned of a protest against the decision to allow homeopathic doctors to practice allopathy, the Maharashtra Senior Resident Doctors Association (MSRDA) also condemned the government's decision. However, now the 'MARD' organization of resident doctors working in government medical colleges in the state has also imposed a fine against this decision.
The decision to allow homeopathic doctors to practice allopathy after completing a bridge course, as well as to allow them to register under the Maharashtra Medical Council, is not only unconstitutional and unethical, but will also undermine the principles of medical regulation. MARD said that this would endanger the lives of citizens in the state and cast doubt on the quality of thousands of MBBS doctors and resident doctors.
Although the reason for the shortage of doctors is being paid by the state government, thousands of MBBS seats have been added in the state in the last few years. Resident doctors are working day and night to provide healthcare services. They often work under immense stress. Instead of improving infrastructure and working conditions for these doctors, the government is choosing a path that threatens patient safety.
Also Read: Mumbai: Experts Issue Public Advisory Amid Monsoon Illnesses Surge in City, Suburbs
This decision could lead to health issues such as misdiagnosis of patients, misuse of antibiotics, resistance and treatment failure, increased likelihood of adverse effects, and reduced credibility of the healthcare system. This may lead to growing dissatisfaction among doctors. The state government should immediately withdraw this decision; otherwise, a statewide protest will be launched in the interest of doctors' credibility and patient safety, the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has warned in a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the National Medical Commission.