Mumbai: The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has launched a week-long statewide peaceful protest from October 29 to November 4, 2025, demanding the immediate transfer of the Satara woman doctor’s suicide case to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and pressing for long-pending reforms to ensure the safety of government doctors.
The association emphasized that the protest would remain peaceful and disciplined, ensuring that emergency and ICU services continue uninterrupted. However, MARD warned that if the government fails to respond to their 10-point charter of demands, it would escalate the agitation in collaboration with other medical bodies through a mass protest at Azad Maidan.
Protest Schedule and Activities
According to MARD’s official release, the protest began on October 29 with doctors wearing black ribbons to symbolize solidarity. On October 30, awareness banners were displayed across hospitals, and doctors wore black tape on their mouths to represent “silenced voices.”
On October 31, creative initiatives like digital art and rangoli campaigns were organized to promote messages of justice and workplace dignity. The weekend (November 1–2) will see a statewide social media campaign under hashtags #JusticeForDoctors and #JusticeForPhaltanMO, culminating in a candle march at the Gateway of India and CSMT.
On November 3, resident doctors plan to suspend non-emergency duties, while critical services will continue. The protest will conclude on November 4 with a large rally in Mumbai, where non-emergency work will remain suspended until government action is taken.
Key Demands
MARD’s 10-point demand list includes:
- Immediate SIT Inquiry led by a retired High Court Judge and senior woman IPS officer.
- Fast-Track Judicial Process in Beed under a Special Public Prosecutor.
- Accountability for Negligent Officials through departmental and criminal action.
- Doctor Safety Reforms including the Health Protection Act and an independent grievance authority.
- Mental Health Support & POSH Activation across all healthcare institutions.
- Transparency in Investigation by preserving CCTV, call data, and records.
- Compensation of ₹5 crore and a government job for the victim’s family.
- Protection for Whistleblowers and Witnesses.
- Public Disclosure of Investigation Findings.
- Institutional Reforms for regular review of doctor safety and workplace dignity.
Call for Justice and Transparency
Speaking to Medical Dialogues, Dr. Suyash Dhavane, General Secretary of Central MARD, stated:
“It’s been six days, and despite repeated appeals, no SIT has been formed. We are left with no option but to intensify our protest within the planned framework.”
The deceased doctor, a government medical officer posted in Phaltan, Satara district, was found dead in a hotel room. A note allegedly written on her palm accused a police sub-inspector and a software engineer of rape and mental harassment — both have since been arrested.
MARD condemned the insensitive and defamatory commentary circulating in media circles and urged journalists and public figures to show dignity and respect while reporting on the case. The association reiterated that the protest aims not just for justice in this case, but also for systemic reforms to ensure the safety, mental well-being, and dignity of all doctors working in Maharashtra’s government hospitals.
