AP Doctors Strike Ends: Stipend Hike Settled

The Health, Medical and Family Welfare Department in Andhra Pradesh has issued a Government Order (G.O. Ms. No. 141) setting an annual stipend increase of 3.5% for all medical students, starting January 1, 2027. This order brings an end to the junior doctors' strike that had been ongoing. For the current year, 2026, the government had previously decided on a 10% stipend enhancement for MBBS and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) interns, and a 5% enhancement for postgraduate, super-speciality, MDS, and Diplomate of National Board (DNB) students.

The dispute originated when the mandatory biennial revision of stipends, which was due in January 2026, did not occur. The Andhra Pradesh Junior Doctors' Association (APJUDA) had demanded a 30% increase, citing inflation and increased workloads. Although the government initially offered a 3% annual hike for postgraduates and 5% for interns during negotiations, the final order offers a modest increase for this year and a uniform 3.5% annual hike from next year.

The APJUDA has expressed dissatisfaction with the government's decision, stating that it was made unilaterally without their agreement. The association has requested the government to review the order, indicating they do not accept the revised terms. The strike was previously called off on August 25, 2026, following a High Court directive for the government to address the doctors' concerns within two weeks.