Junior Doctors Continue Strike Over Pending Demands
The statewide strike by junior doctors in Andhra Pradesh has entered its 12th day, with the doctors expressing strong dissatisfaction over the government’s response to their demands. They said they had been raising their concerns with the government for the past eight months, but as no solution was found, they were forced to boycott duties and launch the strike.
Medical Services Affected Across Government Hospitals
The absence of junior doctors from government medical colleges and teaching hospitals has affected healthcare services across the state. Reports indicate that surgeries have also been halted in several districts. Junior doctors have alleged that instead of holding direct discussions with them, the government has been making statements through officials.
Demand for 20–30% Increase in Stipend
One of the major demands of the protesting doctors is an increase in their stipend in line with the rising cost of living. They are seeking a hike of at least 20 to 30 per cent.
The junior doctors have also opposed any proposal to increase the retirement age of professors. They want candidates with MD qualifications to be given priority in the recruitment of posts. They pointed out that junior doctors in Telangana receive a higher stipend and said they play an important role in providing services under government healthcare programmes such as Ayushman Bharat and Aarogyasri.
Government Cites Financial Constraints
Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said that a substantial increase in the stipend is currently not possible considering the state’s financial position. He stated that the government would provide a 5 per cent hike this year and another 3 per cent hike next year.
He also said that PG and super-speciality PG doctors would receive an annual 3 per cent increase. Regarding the retirement age of professors, the minister clarified that the proposal is not currently under the government’s consideration.
Junior Doctors Recall Stipend Hikes During Jagan’s Tenure
The protesting doctors, however, recalled that the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government had increased their stipend several times, including during the severe crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the junior doctors, they had sought a 42 per cent increase at one stage, but the government provided a 15 per cent hike during the pandemic. They also claim that the highest stipend increase during the Jagan government was around 17 per cent.
Doctors Seek Higher Hike Amid Rising Living Costs
Junior doctors argue that their demand for at least a 20 per cent stipend increase is justified given the sharp rise in living expenses. They have criticised the coalition government for citing the state’s financial deficit while proposing only a limited increase.
Strike Likely to Continue
The junior doctors have made it clear that they will continue their strike until the government holds direct talks with them and resolves their key demands. With the protest continuing, concerns are growing over its further impact on government healthcare services across Andhra Pradesh.
