Maharashtra’s Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif on Wednesday directed colleges and hospitals to provide essential facilities for resident doctors, emphasising their crucial role in patient care. He stressed the need for improved safety measures and accommodation for doctors working in government hospitals.

During a meeting at the state secretariat, various issues concerning the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) were discussed. The meeting was attended by Medical Education Commissioner Rajiv Nivatkar, Director of Medical Education Dr Ajay Chandanwale, Deputy Secretary Tushar Pawar, and other senior officials.

Mushrif highlighted the importance of security for resident doctors, recommending the installation of alarm systems and CCTV cameras in hospitals. He also proposed setting up side rooms near patient wards for doctors on duty and coordinating with the Home Department to establish dedicated police posts at medical colleges and hospitals. He assured that the government would address the doctors' demands positively while ensuring the provision of basic facilities.

He further instructed officials to improve hostel facilities for resident doctors, directing them to submit proposals for new hostel constructions. In cases where hostel accommodation is insufficient, rental buildings should be arranged, he said. Additionally, a proposal should be submitted for providing house rent allowances to doctors unable to secure hostel accommodation, Mushrif added.

The meeting also covered key concerns such as the timely disbursement of stipends for resident doctors, the implementation of a pass system for visitors in government hospitals, and the clearance of pending dearness allowances. Mushrif urged officials to take swift action to resolve these issues at the institutional level.