19 July,2026 04:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre is an accused in the assault case. Pic/videograb of viral CCTV footage
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Maharashtra has suspended its planned 24-hour statewide strike on July 20 following the Bombay High Court's decision to stay the bail granted to the accused in the assault on doctors and healthcare workers at a civic hospital in Dombivli, reported the PTI.
However, the association warned that the suspension is only temporary and said it would launch an indefinite statewide strike from August 9 if the Maharashtra government fails to meet its demands for stronger protection of healthcare professionals, the news agency reported.
The development comes a day after the Bombay High Court stayed the bail granted to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre, who is accused in the assault case.
A court in Thane had granted Mhatre bail on July 14. Taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, the Bombay High Court later suspended the bail order and directed the accused to surrender before the authorities by Sunday evening.
Following the High Court's order, the IMA and other medical organisations held meetings to review the situation.
IMA Maharashtra President Dr Santosh Kulkarni, State Secretary Dr Vikrant Desai, and State Treasurer Dr Amol Gite described the court's intervention as a significant step towards ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals.
The association said it expects the police and the Maharashtra government to implement the High Court's directions fully.
The IMA clarified that the cancellation of Sunday's token strike should not be seen as the end of its protest.
The organisation warned that an indefinite statewide agitation will begin on 9 August (Kranti Diwas) if the government does not introduce stronger legal safeguards for doctors and medical institutions.
According to the PTI, the medical fraternity has urged the Maharashtra government to:
- Amend the Maharashtra Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and
- Damage or Loss to Property) Act, 2010, making it more stringent and ensuring offences are non-bailable.
- Issue an ordinance to strengthen legal protection for healthcare workers and medical establishments.
- Take stronger action to prevent violence against doctors, nurses and hospital staff.
(with PTI inputs)
