Dombivli: The two doctors of Shastri Nagar Municipal Hospital in Dombivli, who were allegedly assaulted by Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre and his three associates on July 6, have refused to resume duty despite the Bombay High Court urging the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) not to accept their resignations and instead provide them a supportive environment to return to work.Dr Shrusti Baviskar and Dr Vaibhav Salunkhe, who were working at the civic hospital on a contractual basis through a private agency, were assaulted when they informed a patient’s family that the newborn had to be shifted because the neonatal intensive care unit was full.On Thursday, the HC directed police to file the chargesheet in the doctors’ assault case within 10 days and ordered the appointment of a special public prosecutor (SPP) to conduct the trial, observing that the SPP should not be changed. The HC also directed that the case be tried in a fast-track court. As part of the interim conditions, the HC ordered Mhatre to remain outside Maharashtra until the chargesheet is filed and restrained him from contacting his supporters or any prosecution witnesses.Following the HC’s observations, KDMC decided not to accept the resignations of the two doctors.Dr Sadiya Pinjari, chief medical officer of Shastri Nagar Municipal Hospital, told TOI that the resignations had been submitted through the private agency that had appointed them. “In view of the HC’s directions, we have not accepted their resignation letters. Both doctors have rendered good service and we still need them. We have requested them to rejoin duty,” she said.However, both doctors have declined to return.Speaking to TOI, Dr Baviskar said, “I cannot work with the KDMC anymore. I have already resigned and do not wish to speak further on this issue.” Her mother said the family was satisfied with the relief granted by the HC, but they remained deeply affected by the incident. “Even after a month, we do not allow our daughter to go out alone. She still lives with the trauma of the attack and will not be able to work at the KDMC hospital again,” she said.Family members had earlier told TOI that both doctors were severely traumatised after the assault, with Dr Baviskar often waking up frightened from nightmares. The incident had sparked statewide protests by doctors and intensified concerns over the safety of healthcare professionals at government and civic hospitals.
