Mumbai: Forced to work at VN Desai, 6 gynaecologists from Bhabha Hospital resign

Bhabha Hospital in Bandra where the six doctors worked

Sic gynaecologists from Bandra's Bhabha Hospital submitted their resignation on Friday after they were allegedly forced to work at VN Desai Hospital, Santa Cruz, due to paucity of staff. The six doctors have been identified as Archana Choudhary, Spenta Somondy, Neelam Arman, Sukanya Thorat, Disha Dave and Pallavi Rathod.

In a letter to Bhabha Hospital they wrote, "We have been working hard in the pandemic, while juggling domestic duties. Instead of forcing us to go to other hospitals for work, the government should increase the staff [in these hospitals]." In response, Bhabha Hospital served a notice to all six doctors and directed them to vacate their quarters within 72 hours.

Notice directing the doctors to vacate the quarters at Bhabha Hospital

VN Desai hospital, located at Santacruz East, currently has no registrar doctor available. Medical superintendent, Prashant More, said "Due to COVID-19, no new appointments have been made and we are continuing with old staff. Their [old staff] tenure is over and we can't hold them back."

Sanjay Patil, a senior doctor in charge of Bhabha Hospital said the deployment of the doctors was an emergency measure. "There are many pregnant patients at VN Desai and we can't shift them because it's too risky. During appointment, we take signatures of the doctors that in the light of a crisis, we have the authority to shift them to other hospitals. If they refuse, we also have the right to take action."