The issue of increasing the stipend for junior doctors in Andhra Pradesh has once again become controversial. While a 15 per cent hike every two years was previously being followed, the latest decision taken by the state government has caused dissatisfaction among junior doctors. The government has announced a one-time category-wise hike of 5 to 10 per cent for 2026 and issued orders providing for only a 3.5 per cent annual hike for all categories from 2027. Junior doctors have objected to the decision, calling it a unilateral move by the government.
15% Hike Replaced with 3.5%: Shock for Junior Doctors
The demand for a hike in the stipend of junior doctors has been continuing for several months. As the stipend was due for revision from January 1, 2026, the AP Junior Doctors Association (APJUDA) had demanded a 15 per cent increase from the government. The junior doctors also cited the earlier practice of providing a 15 per cent hike and the stipend rates being implemented in other states.
However, the government has announced a different formula through G.O.Ms.No.141. Under the order, house surgeons will receive a 10 per cent hike from January 1, 2026, while postgraduate, super-speciality, MDS and DNB students will receive a 5 per cent increase. At the same time, the government has decided to implement an automatic annual hike of 3.5 per cent from January 1, 2027.
End of the Previous System: Government Introduces New Formula
According to junior doctors, stipend hikes were previously implemented at a rate of 15 per cent at specified intervals. In 2022 too, the government had announced a 15 per cent increase in the stipend of house surgeons, PG, super-speciality and MDS students.
The government has now introduced an annual hike system. The order states that a 3.5 per cent increase will be provided every year from 2027.
The government said a committee of experts examined the existing stipend rates, the demands of junior doctors, the rates being implemented in neighbouring states and the salaries of assistant professors in the state before submitting its recommendations. The final decision was taken after consultations with the Finance Department, it said.
How Much Was the Hike in 2026?
According to the new government orders:
- MBBS/BDS House Surgeons: 10 per cent hike
- PG, MDS and DNB: 5 per cent hike
- Super-Speciality Students: 5 per cent hike
- From 2027: 3.5 per cent annual hike for all categories
The monthly stipend for house surgeons will increase from ₹25,906 to ₹28,497.
For PG students, the first-year stipend will increase from ₹60,823 to ₹63,864. The second-year stipend has been fixed at ₹64,604, while the third-year stipend will be ₹68,005.
For super-speciality students, the stipend has been fixed at ₹84,525 for the first year, ₹86,940 for the second year and ₹89,355 for the third year.
Additional Financial Burden of ₹34.08 Crore: Government’s Explanation
The government stated that implementation of the revised stipend rates would impose an additional annual financial burden of approximately ₹34.08 crore on the state exchequer.
It ordered that the revised rates be implemented retrospectively from January 1, 2026. The government also directed the Director of Medical Education to take immediate steps to implement the hike.
However, the primary demand of the junior doctors remains a 15 per cent increase. During earlier discussions, the government had reportedly stated that it could not provide a 15 per cent hike citing financial constraints. At that time, the government had also proposed an annual increase of 5 per cent for house surgeons and 3 per cent for PG and super-speciality students.
Junior Doctors Stage Protest: Agitation Withdrawn After High Court Intervention
APJUDA launched a statewide agitation in August over the stipend hike and other demands. Junior doctors, interns and resident doctors from government medical colleges participated in the protest. At one stage, the agitation escalated to the point where emergency medical services were also threatened with a boycott.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court intervened in the matter and directed the government to take a decision on the demands raised by the junior doctors. Subsequently, the government constituted an expert committee and held discussions with representatives of the junior doctors.
“We Will Not Accept a Unilateral Decision,” Say Junior Doctors
The main reason for dissatisfaction among junior doctors over the latest decision is the government’s move to introduce a 3.5 per cent annual hike from 2027 instead of accepting their demand for a 15 per cent increase.
The junior doctors had earlier opposed the government’s proposals and sought detailed discussions before a final decision was taken on their demands.
According to the junior doctors, apart from the stipend hike, the government should also take concrete steps on issues including working hours, basic facilities, problems faced by senior residents, non-clinical appointments and security for medical staff. The junior doctors have already submitted their demands to the government on these issues.
Hike Announced, But Dispute Remains Unresolved
Although the government has issued orders announcing a hike in the stipend of junior doctors, the deadlock over their key demand for a 15 per cent increase continues.
While the government has announced a 5 to 10 per cent hike for 2026 and limited the annual increase to 3.5 per cent from 2027, it says the decision was taken based on financial considerations and the recommendations of an expert committee.
Junior doctors, however, maintain that further discussions are necessary on their demands. With objections continuing over the Chandrababu Naidu government’s decision, the response from junior doctors and the next developments in the matter are likely to remain significant.
