JJ Hospital Doctors Go on Strike After Junior Resident's Suicide Attempt; MSRDA Demands Immediate Action Against Departmental Harassment

Mumbai, July 19, 2025 : The medical community in Mumbai is reeling from shock and outrage following a suicide attempt by a junior resident (JR-3) doctor from the Department of Paediatrics at JJ Hospital on July 16. In response, resident doctors under the leadership of the JJ Hospital Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (JJH MARD) launched a strike on Saturday, July 19, demanding immediate action against what they allege is a long-standing toxic and abusive departmental culture.

According to sources within the hospital and the Maharashtra Senior Resident Doctors’ Association (MSRDA), the junior doctor was subjected to continuous mental harassment and hostile working conditions, which ultimately drove her to attempt suicide.

The MSRDA has issued a strong statement condemning the incident and the systemic abuse allegedly taking place in the Paediatrics Department. "This is not an isolated incident. It reflects a deeply rooted pattern of hierarchical bullying, abuse of power, and toxic work culture within the department," the MSRDA said in its public statement.

The association has extended full support to the ongoing strike led by JJH MARD and has urged the government and medical education authorities to take swift and effective action.

Key Demands by MSRDA:

1. Immediate suspension of the Head of the Paediatrics Department pending a formal inquiry.

2. An independent, time-bound investigation into the allegations of mental harassment and hostile work culture.

3. Psychological support systems and grievance redressal mechanisms for resident doctors in all departments.

4. A formal assurance from the state government that such toxic environments will not be tolerated in any medical education institution across Maharashtra.

MSRDA has warned that failure to take action will result in the system being complicit in further endangering the mental health and lives of young doctors. The association also signaled the possibility of a statewide protest if their demands are not addressed.

"Let us not wait for another young life to be lost before we act," MSRDA stated emphatically, highlighting the urgent need for reform in medical institutions to ensure the well-being and dignity of resident doctors.

The hospital administration and the Maharashtra government have yet to issue an official response to the ongoing strike and the demands presented by the resident doctors.