Andhra doctors' strike enters 10th day; govt, medics firm on stipend stance
The standoff between the Andhra Pradesh government and junior doctors, interns, and super-speciality doctors entered its 10th day on Wednesday, with both sides refusing to yield on the issue of stipend revision. The government maintained that a biannual increase of 15% was not feasible given the financial condition of the State, while the doctors pressed for a higher hike, citing past precedents.
According to a release from the State Health Department, the matter was discussed in a recent Cabinet meeting. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stressed the need to explain the financial constraints to the protesting doctors and appealed to them to resume duties. The officials reiterated the government's proposal: a 5% annual hike for interns this year, followed by 3% in subsequent years, and a uniform 3% annual increase for junior doctors and super-speciality doctors.
However, the Andhra Pradesh Junior Doctors' Association (APJUDA) decided to continue the strike, rejecting the government's offer. D. Ranjeet, treasurer of APJUDA, said the financial situation of the State was also weak in 2020 and 2022 due to the pandemic, yet the doctors had received the biannual 15% hike during those years. He added that the current protest was not only about timely implementation of the hike but also about increasing it to 30%.
The doctors have withdrawn emergency and non-emergency services at government teaching hospitals across the State, affecting patient care. While a meeting was underway, the association resolved to continue the withdrawal of services until the government conceded to their demands.
Both sides have indicated they are unwilling to compromise, leaving the deadlock unresolved. The government has appealed to the doctors to consider the State's fiscal position, while the doctors argue that their demand for a 30% hike is justified given the rising cost of living and the nature of their work. The prolonged strike has raised concerns among patients and healthcare administrators, as routine and emergency services remain disrupted.
