Junior Doctors Strike Over Pay; Govt Cites Finances

Junior doctors in Andhra Pradesh have escalated their strike, withdrawing from emergency services in government teaching hospitals on the eighth day of protest. The state government has stated it will not implement the doctors' demand for a 15% biannual stipend hike, citing the state's current financial situation. Instead, the government has reiterated its proposal for a smaller annual stipend increase.

Medical associations have rejected the government's offer, calling a token increase an insult. The government's release indicated it spends approximately ₹48.84 crore monthly on stipends for over 9,500 interns and trainees. A 15% hike would add ₹87.91 crore annually, while the proposed smaller increase would cost significantly less. Doctors highlighted that their last stipend hike, in accordance with a 2009 G.O., was delayed and they had to protest to receive it.

As the strike continues, the government has requested private medical colleges to depute doctors to government institutions to maintain service continuity. Hospitals have been directed to arrange emergency duty rosters with senior faculty and consultants.