Over 4,500 resident doctors across medical colleges in Maharashtra went on an indefinite strike on Tuesday, demanding an increase in their monthly stipends. The government in response has sacked all of them.

The residents have been demanding a pay hike, but talks failed.

"The government said it can increase our stipend by Rs 6000 which we think is unreasonable and unacceptable. We have not got any written assurance from the government," said Dr Asad Rehman, spokesperson, Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors.

Among other demands, the doctors also want better security at work and better housing facilities. The government wants them to return to work before their demands are considered. A promise made in the past, every time residents have struck work, clearly not promising this time. With talks at a stalemate, the government says it has alternatives in place so that patients do not suffer.

"Our public health workers and even medical professors have been pressed into service," said Dr W B Tayade, head, Directorate of Medical Education and Research.

Even as the tug-of-war between the government and doctors continue, its patients who'll have to bear the brunt.