Andhra junior doctors halt emergency services over stipend demand

Junior doctors across Andhra Pradesh withdrawn emergency services from August 17, escalating a phased strike that began on August 11. The Andhra Pradesh Junior Doctors’ Association (APJUDA) said the State government failed to give a satisfactory written response by the August 16 deadline it had set. Intensive Care Units, casualty wards, and labour rooms in all 19 government medical colleges are affected, according to APJUDA, which represents about 9,000 doctors.

The dispute centres on a stipend revision due since January 1, 2026, under a 2009 government order (G.O.Ms.No.287) that provides for a biennial hike linked to inflation. APJUDA is demanding a 30% rise, arguing inflation of around 5% a year and a sharp increase in workload justify the figure. The government has offered 3% for postgraduates and 5% for house surgeons and interns, which junior doctors consider inadequate. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged the Health Minister to intervene and hold immediate talks.

APJUDA has two other demands: strict adherence to National Medical Commission norms in recruiting MSc and PhD holders to clinical faculty posts, and opposition to a proposed increase in the retirement age of doctors from 62 to 65 years. The association said non-emergency services also remain withdrawn. No further talks have been scheduled.