Around 50 resident doctors of the civic-run Cooper Hospital in Vile Parle went on a flash strike on Tuesday protesting the supply of contaminated water to the resident medical officer (RMO) quarters for the last two months. The doctors only attended the emergency and casualty services, but withdrew the non-essential health services and did not attend the operation theatre.
The protesters said the water supplied to the RMO quarters smells like sewage water and many of them have taken ill after drinking it. Samples sent for testing have also revealed that the water was not fit for human consumption.
“Four resident doctors are currently admitted in the hospital after drinking the contaminated water. One more doctor, who suffered from a colon infection, was discharged on Tuesday,” a resident doctor said, adding the problem began in April and all their complaints have fallen on deaf ears. “On June 14, we complained about the issue again and were assured that the problem would be fixed in two days. But nothing happened. We were forced to protest,” he said.
Nearly 150 resident doctors stay in the RMO quarters on the hospital campus. On Tuesday, the RMO quarters were provided with a water tanker, and mineral water bottles were also distributed. But, the doctors demanded a permanent solution or they will continue their protest. An official from Cooper Hospital said bottled water is being given to the doctors and work is on to resolve the issue.
