Junior doctors plan to intensify stir

Junior doctors under the aegis of Andhra Pradesh Junior Doctors Association (APJUDA) stage a protest in Tirupati on Monday. Photo: K.V. Poornachandra Kumar

Chaos reigned supreme at in-patient blocks and serpentine queues were witnessed at out-patient blocks at different government hospitals across the State, with junior doctors boycotting their elective duties and attending only emergency cases as part of their agitation against mandatory rural service and other demands.

At the Government General Hospital in Vijayawada on Monday, junior doctors took out a rally on the Siddhartha Medical College premises. Holding placards and raising slogans against the government, they wanted authorities to address their issues at the earliest.

In Kakinada, the Government General Hospital was abuzz with activity as the junior doctors commenced the strike and extended their support to cause. Heated arguments took place with patients’ attendants and hospital staff over the delay in attending the patients and extending treatment. All the post graduate students, senior residents and house surgeons participated in the strike.

In Kurnool, the junior doctors continued with their strike to protest against compulsory internship in rural areas. The junior doctors exempted pediatric ward, casualty and Acute Medical Care Unit from the strike. In Tirupati, junior doctors took out a rally from Ruia Hospital to Government Maternity Hospital.

Deadlock continues

Talks between higher authorities and agitating junior doctors at Vijayawada failed to clear the deadlock and junior doctors are planning to intensify their stir in the coming days in support of their demands and to exert pressure on the government.

Director of Medical Education Venkatesh held a two-hour long meeting with junior doctors at the hospital premises. He assured to take up the issues with senior authorities and the A.P. Junior Doctors Association made it clear that doctors were still open for talks, claimed APJUDA Treasurer T. Naresh.

“We approached the Police Commissioner seeking permission to conduct demonstrations and take out rallies. On Tuesday, a signature campaign will be organized at the Government General Hospital and we would explain the people about our issues,” said Mr. Naresh.