Maharashtra State Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) on 8 July welcomed the arrest of Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre, who allegedly led an assault on doctors — including a woman doctor — at a hospital in Thane, while confirming that a state-wide black ribbon protest will proceed as scheduled on 9 July. The arrest came after video footage of the attack circulated widely on social media, triggering public outrage and demands for swift action.

The Attack at Dombivli Hospital

The incident occurred on 6 July at Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli, when Mhatre, accompanied by supporters, allegedly stormed the facility and physically assaulted doctors and medical staff. According to hospital officials, the confrontation was triggered after doctors advised the relatives of a newborn to transfer the infant to another facility, citing the unavailability of beds in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

CCTV footage captured the corporator and his associates beating and punching medical personnel. The video went viral, prompting Thane Police to register a First Information Report (FIR) against Mhatre and three others. All four accused were taken into custody from their residences on Wednesday and subsequently brought to a government hospital for medico-legal examination before further legal proceedings.

MARD Welcomes Arrest, Demands Systemic Change

In an official statement, MARD said the arrest 'sends a strong message that violence against doctors and healthcare workers will not be tolerated.' However, the association made clear that the one-day protest would continue as planned, framing it as a response not merely to this isolated incident but to a broader pattern of violence against medical professionals across Maharashtra.

'This protest is not only against this individual incident but also against the increasing incidents of violence against healthcare workers across the state and to reiterate our demand for a safe working environment for all doctors and healthcare professionals,' MARD said.

State-Wide Black Ribbon Stir on 9 July

Healthcare workers, including doctors, are set to observe the black ribbon protest on 9 July across all government hospitals and medical colleges in the state. The demonstration is symbolic — participants will wear black ribbons on duty — ensuring patient care is not disrupted while the message of solidarity against workplace violence is conveyed.

Notably, this protest comes against the backdrop of repeated incidents of violence targeting medical staff in Maharashtra and other states, a concern that doctors' associations have raised with state governments for years without a comprehensive legislative response at the state level.

What Happens Next

Mhatre and the three co-accused are expected to face formal legal proceedings following the medico-legal examination. MARD has not indicated whether the protest will escalate further, but the association's statement suggests it will monitor government response closely. Demands for stronger legal protections for healthcare workers — including a dedicated central law — are likely to gain fresh momentum following this episode.