Government Takes Key Decision on Junior Doctors’ Stipend

Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav said the government is unable to approve a 15% hike in stipends for junior doctors due to the state’s financial situation. He held talks with representatives of the junior doctors’ association, who presented three key demands. The minister responded positively to two of them but said the government could not meet the demand for a 15% stipend increase. He urged the doctors to reconsider their stand and return to duty.

The minister assured doctors that a final decision on increasing the retirement age of professors would be taken after consultations with the medical community. He also explained that non-clinical posts would be filled with MSc/PhD qualified candidates only if vacancies in teaching hospitals in remote areas remain unfilled, in line with National Medical Commission guidelines. The government has decided to increase stipends for interns by 5% this year and 3% from next year, while PG and super speciality doctors will receive a 3% hike this year. However, junior doctors insisted on a 15% increase and walked out of the talks. APJUDA state president Dr. Eshwar Shankar said their future course of action would be announced to the media on Friday.