Archive · 18 Jul 2026
IMA Maharashtra Announces 24-Hour OPD Shutdown
Doctors in Maharashtra are very upset because some people hurt doctors and hospital staff at a hospital in Dombivli.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has decided to close all outpatient departments (OPDs) for one day on July 20 to protest this.
They want the government to punish the people who did this and make new rules to protect doctors.
If the government doesn't do anything, the doctors might go on a longer strike starting August 9.
During the shutdown, only emergency services will be open, so very sick people can still get help.
The doctors want to make sure hospitals are safe places to work.
IMA Maharashtra announced a 24-hour OPD shutdown on July 20 to protest the assault on doctors at Shastrinagar Hospital in Dombivli.
The assault involved Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre and his supporters, sparking widespread outrage among healthcare professionals.
Doctors demand stronger legal protection, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling hospital violence, and an independent grievance committee.
Emergency services, casualty departments, trauma care, and ICUs will remain operational during the shutdown.
If the government does not take stricter action, doctors threaten an indefinite strike from August 9.
- Who
- Indian Medical Association (IMA) Maharashtra and medical associations from Kalyan-Dombivli
- What
- Announced a 24-hour statewide OPD shutdown on July 20 and threatened an indefinite strike from August 9 if demands are not met
- When
- Assault on July 6; Shutdown on July 20; Potential indefinite strike from August 9
- Where
- Shastrinagar Hospital in Dombivli, Maharashtra
- Why
- To protest the assault on doctors and demand stronger legal protection for healthcare professionals
Doctors' Protest
Government Response
Action Against Assailants
Doctors' Protest
Doctors demand immediate and exemplary action against those responsible for the assault.
Government Response
Government's response to the attack has been deemed inadequate by the medical fraternity.
Legal Protection
Doctors' Protest
Doctors urge the government to strengthen laws protecting healthcare workers and establish an independent grievance committee.
Government Response
Government has not yet announced specific measures to address the doctors' demands.
- Date of Assault
- July 6
- Location of Assault
- Shastrinagar Hospital, Dombivli
- Date of Shutdown
- July 20
- Duration of Shutdown
- 24 hours
- Potential Indefinite Strike
- August 9
- Services Affected
- Outpatient Departments (OPDs)
- Services Unaffected
- Emergency services, casualty departments, trauma care, and ICUs
- Accused in Assault
- Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre and his supporters