Doctors' Living Conditions Plague Maharashtra Colleges

A recent survey by the Central Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has highlighted a severe crisis affecting over 5,800 postgraduate resident doctors across 18 government medical colleges in Maharashtra. The findings point to critical deficiencies in hospital security, inadequate hostel facilities, delayed stipends, and insufficient infrastructure, collectively jeopardizing both doctors' well-being and patient care throughout the state.

The survey revealed an average 25% deficit in security personnel, leaving emergency wards, hostels, and campuses vulnerable. This lax security has resulted in increased incidents of violence, harassment, and unauthorized access. Furthermore, approximately 50% of resident doctors do not receive hostel accommodation, forcing them to undertake long and hazardous journeys at odd hours. Those on campus contend with unhygienic conditions, pest infestations, and unreliable utilities, while many colleges lack separate hostels for men and women.

Financial distress is a significant concern, with one in three medical colleges failing to disburse stipends on time. Many resident doctors, whose duty hours often exceed 80 per week, depend on these stipends for basic living expenses. The delays have led to financial instability and debt. The combination of poor safety, substandard living conditions, and financial hardship has taken a severe psychological toll, with only 39% of residents reporting feeling safe at work, contributing to chronic stress and burnout.