Vijayawada: Doctors working at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across Andhra Pradesh have announced a statewide hunger strike from October 3, threatening to suspend outpatient services if their long-pending demands are not addressed.
Doctors Frustrated Over Ignored Demands
The PHC doctors, under the banner of the Andhra Pradesh Primary Health Centres Doctors Association (APPHCDA), said their appeals for promotions, allowances, increments, and fair service-related benefits have been repeatedly ignored by the state government.
Government Calls Demands ‘Unjustifiable’
The state health department has termed the demands “unjustifiable” and moved quickly to avoid service disruption. Doctors from district and teaching hospitals have been deployed to PHCs, while striking doctors have been urged to return to duty.
Talks with Authorities Fail
The strike decision followed a failed meeting between APPHCDA leaders and the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare. The association had earlier submitted a strike notice to Director of Public Health Dr. P Padma Sasidhar, warning of protests if their demands went unheeded.
Key Demands Raised by PHC Doctors
Among their demands, the doctors highlighted the reduction of the in-service PG quota to 15% in just seven branches for 2025–26, compared to 20% across all branches last year. They are seeking a uniform 15% quota for the next three years. Other demands include time-bound promotions, tribal allowances for those serving in remote areas, and a mobile medical services allowance.
Government Counters With New Measures
The state government maintained that a recent Government Order (GO) has already allotted 15% clinical and 30% non-clinical PG seats for in-service doctors. Officials also said that 1,000 PG doctors will join duties from November, while vacancies in secondary hospitals will be filled by 2027 and teaching hospitals by 2028.
Risk of Service Collapse in Rural Areas
With PHCs catering to an average of 1 lakh patients daily, particularly in rural and tribal areas, the hunger strike threatens to paralyse services. To counter the impact, the government has deployed 2,031 doctors, including PG students, residents, and MBBS tutors, to PHCs across the state.
Escalating Protest Campaign
APPHCDA has already staged sit-ins across district centres on September 30, October 1 and 2, and vowed to escalate agitation if demands remain unmet. “Our demands are genuine and repeatedly ignored. Without immediate resolution, we will continue our protest with the hunger strike in Vijayawada,” said APPHCDA president Ravindra Naik.
