BMC MARD calls off doctors’ protest after Bombay High Court’s direction

Published 6 August 2026 · local

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (BMC MARD) withdrew its protest on Thursday (August 6, 2026) against the State government’s decision to

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (BMC MARD) withdrew its protest on Thursday (August 6, 2026) against the State government’s decision to permit CCMP-qualified Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) practitioners to register with the Maharashtra Medical Council. The decision came after the Bombay High Court asked the doctors to discuss the matter with the government and arrive at an amicable solution. In a statement, BMC MARD said the withdrawal was a mark of respect to the court’s directive. The association added that the decision was without prejudice to its demands and legal rights. The suspension of routine medical services has been called off, the association said, adding that routine OPD services, routine IPD services, elective surgeries and procedures, academic activities, central laboratory services, and fever OPDs will function regularly.

Remain opposed to move BMC MARD reiterated its opposition to the proposed registration of homeopathy practitioners. The association stated that it remains committed to resolving the matter through discussions with the government. The court had taken suo motu cognisance of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) call for a 24-hour strike. A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad observed that doctors cannot resort to strike as patients’ lives cannot be put at risk. The Bench observed that there may be many reasons for a strike, but doctors cannot resort to one. The court asked the doctors to think about mankind.

Senior advocate Suresh Kamdar, appearing for the IMA, informed the court that the association had withdrawn the strike. He questioned the government’s decision to permit homeopathy doctors to practice like MBBS doctors. He submitted that homeopathy practitioners can practice like MBBS doctors after completing a si month course. The Bench said that whatever might be the reason, doctors should not resort to strikes. Justice Ghuge observed that a patient who dies during a strike cannot be brought back. Advocate General Milind Sathe and Chief Government Pleader Neha Bhide informed the Bench about publishing a government resolution. The resolution, issued on August 3, provides for the constitution of a special committee that will frame SOPs regarding the issue.

The court appointed senior advocate Vineet Naik and advocate Amogh Singh as amicus curiae in the matter. The court directed them to prepare pleadings raising grounds specifically against strikes. The matter is listed for its next hearing on September 8. (With inputs from Snehal Mutha)