Andhra Pradesh junior doctors boycott emergency services over stipend demands

Junior doctors in Andhra Pradesh have escalated their strike to include a total boycott of emergency services, following the government's failure to provide a written commitment regarding stipend revisions. The Andhra Pradesh Junior Doctors’ Association (APJUDA) announced that the escalation began on Monday, August 17, affecting intensive care units, casualty wards, and labour rooms.

Approximately 9,000 medical professionals are participating in the agitation, including medical interns, junior residents, super-speciality postgraduates, and senior residents across all 19 government medical colleges in the state. The doctors claim the stipend hike has been pending since January 1.

The state government stated it is making arrangements to minimize patient impact by keeping additional doctors on standby and ensuring the availability of essential supplies such as oxygen, blood, and medicines. Health department officials are reviewing the situation with hospital superintendents and district collectors to maintain critical services.