Andhra Pradesh junior doctors call for strike on 26 October demanding hike in stipend

“We are the frontline warriors who fought the Covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, when compared to the national average, we are receiving the lowest amount of stipend,” Dr J Jeshwanth, president of APJUDA, told South First..

“A promised hike has been pending since January this year; it has been nine-and-a-half months. We have given many representations to the director of medical education, the principal secretary, the Health Department, and vice chancellors, but till now no action has been taken,” he said.

“During the pandemic we were promised that in January 2022 our stipend would be hiked, but till now it has not been taken place. So now, finally we have decided to go on strike after Diwali.”

APJUDA has over 8,500 members across the state, which includes intern house surgeons and postgraduate doctors.

Below the national average

APJUDA, in its statement, said that nationwide the average stipend of house surgeons is ₹ 30,000. Broad speciality PGs get between ₹65,000-₹70,000, while super specialty PGs receive between ₹.80,000-₹90,000.

“But in our state, it’s ₹19,589 for house surgeons. For first, second, and final year broad speciality PGs it is ₹44,075, ₹46,524, ₹48,973, respectively. For super specialty PGs, it is ₹48,973, ₹51,422, and ₹53,869 for the first, second, and final years, respectively,” APJUDA said in a statement.

“Even at this point in time we don’t intend to take drastic steps and hamper patient care; however, this issue is overlooked for the last nine months, and the current inflation, and economic burden, are disturbing our morale, hence expect the government to consider our requests on high priority basis and resolve them as early as possible,” the statement said.

“We may have to further boycott emergencies too as a last resort if our demands are not met by the concerned officials,” it added.

“We are busy managing academics alongside day-night duties. It takes 12-15 years of being a student, after getting into MBBS, to become a specialist; you become a super specialist doctor at about 30-35 years of age. Keeping in view of rising prices, and the cost of living, this meager pay is not enough to meet our expenses,” said Dr Jeshwanth.