Junior doctors in Andhra Pradesh have announced they will stop providing emergency services starting Monday, August 17, as part of their ongoing protest against delayed stipend revisions. The decision comes after the state government failed to meet the final deadline set by the Andhra Pradesh Junior Doctors' Association (APJUDA). The association escalated its agitation to “Phase III,” marking a more severe escalation in its demands. The protest began on Sunday, with junior doctors gathering near the Gandhi statue in Visakhapatnam, close to the GVMC office, for the sixth consecutive day. Dr. Balagam Dinakar Sai Srinivas, general secretary of APJUDA, and Dr. Ranjeet Dhabale, treasurer, led the demonstration alongside fellow junior doctors. They stated that despite multiple attempts to engage with the government, they had not received a satisfactory written response by the deadline of 5 p.m. on August 16. This failure prompted the group to take further action, halting emergency services beginning Monday. Emergency and intensive care unit (ICU) services will be suspended by participating junior doctors and other residents of various categories. Non-emergency services will remain unaffected. The move is intended to pressure the government into addressing long-standing concerns regarding stipend revisions. With approximately 9,000 junior doctors operating across the state, the impact of this suspension could be widespread, affecting all 19 government medical colleges. APJUDA maintains that its primary demand is a clear, written, and time-bound commitment from the government to implement the stipend revision. This aligns with previous discussions and proposals exchanged between the government and junior doctors’ representatives. The association argues that the current proposed increase, 3% for postgraduates and 5% for house surgeons and interns, is insufficient given rising inflation, increased workloads, and disparities compared to other states. The Indian Medical Association, Andhra Pradesh (IMA A.P.), and the IMA Junior Doctors Network, Andhra Pradesh, have also called on the state government to resolve the pending 15% stipend revision, which has been overdue since January 1, 2026, under Government Order No. 287. These groups support APJUDA’s demand for a 30% increase, emphasizing the need for fair compensation amid challenging working conditions. The IMA has urged the Health Minister to intervene and facilitate immediate talks with APJUDA to find a resolution. Meanwhile, separate protests have erupted among legal professionals in the state. Lawyers are boycotting courts following allegations of police misconduct. According to reports, junior advocate Gautam Raju was reportedly manhandled and verbally abused during a routine vehicle check. Police personnel allegedly restrained his hands and throat, causing difficulty in breathing. These incidents have sparked outrage among legal communities, with calls for accountability and reform in law enforcement practices. The situation highlights growing tensions across different professional sectors in Andhra Pradesh, each facing unique challenges and grievances. While the focus of the junior doctors’ protest remains on financial and administrative issues, the legal community's actions underscore broader concerns about public safety and institutional integrity. The next steps for both groups remain unclear. APJUDA has indicated it will monitor the government’s response and may adjust its strategy based on developments. Meanwhile, legal professionals are preparing for potential legal recourse, with plans to file complaints against the alleged misconduct. As these movements gain momentum, the state government faces increasing pressure to address the underlying issues driving these protests.
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