Junior Doctors to Withdraw Emergency Services From Today in AP
APJUDA leaders said the association had adopted a phased approach, keeping emergency and ICU services operational during the earlier phases to avoid disruption to patient care
VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh Junior Doctors Association (APJUDA) has announced an escalation of its agitation over stipend revision, with junior doctors set to withdraw emergency services, including ICU, casualty and labour room duties, from 8 am on Monday, August 17.
APJUDA president Dr U. Eswar Shankar, general secretary Dr Sk. Lukhman Ali and others said the decision was taken after the government failed to provide a satisfactory written response by the 5 pm deadline on August 15.
The association has been seeking a clear, written and time-bound commitment on implementation of the proposed stipend revision following discussions with government representatives.
APJUDA leaders said the association had adopted a phased approach, keeping emergency and ICU services operational during the earlier phases to avoid disruption to patient care. However, the absence of a satisfactory written assurance had left it with no option but to move to Phase III, they said.
Under Phase III, non-emergency services will remain withdrawn. Junior doctors and other resident doctors covered by the agitation will also withdraw from emergency services, including intensive care units, casualty departments and labour rooms.
Interns, junior residents, super-speciality postgraduates, postgraduates posted under the DRP and peripheral postings, and senior residents will also participate in the agitation wherever covered by the programme.
The association said it remained ready for constructive dialogue and urged the government to intervene immediately and provide a written resolution. It expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to patients and the public, but said the responsibility for preventing further escalation rested with the authorities.
