- Warning Siren from Junior Doctors
Article Today, Hyderabad: Junior doctors in Telangana have announced an indefinite strike starting from June 30. The Telangana Junior Doctors Association (T-JUDA) stated that the government’s negligence in addressing their demands has forced them to take this step. President Dr. Isaac Newton, along with other T-JUDA leaders Dr. A. Giriprasad, Dr. U. Saikrishna, Dr. V. Jithin, and Dr. B. Hemanth, addressed the media on Friday.
They criticised the state for ignoring repeated representations over the past several months. Despite meetings with Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha, no tangible progress was made, they said. The strike will include MBBS interns, postgraduate students, and senior residents across all government medical colleges and affiliated hospitals.
Medical Services to Be Hit…
The strike is expected to severely affect services in government hospitals. With junior doctors forming the backbone of public healthcare delivery, the protest could disrupt day-to-day operations, particularly in teaching hospitals across the state.
Mental and Physical Stress Taking a Toll…
Dr. Isaac Newton expressed deep concern over the working conditions of junior doctors. Many are forced to work over 36 hours continuously without rest, he noted. Providing a respectful and supportive work environment, including timely stipends and basic infrastructure, is the government’s responsibility, he added. He clarified that until all demands are addressed, undergraduates, postgraduates, house surgeons, and senior residents would continue their protest.
T-JUDA’s Key Demands…
- Timely Stipend Release through Green Channel
Junior doctors demanded regular and timely release of stipends for PGs, house surgeons, and senior residents. They insisted on implementing a ‘Green Channel’ to ensure stipends are credited by the 10th of every month. - Immediate Implementation of Revised Stipend
The revised stipends, due from January this year, are yet to be implemented. The association demanded immediate enforcement and payment of all pending arrears since January. - Improve Basic Infrastructure in Medical Colleges
They highlighted poor infrastructure in colleges like Nagarkurnool and Siddipet, where building works remain incomplete. Some colleges lack water and proper transport. Notably, Nizamabad Medical College has had no playground for 12 years. They also called for student representatives to be included in infrastructure review committees.
- Address Faculty Shortage Urgently
Shortage of clinical and para-clinical faculty is affecting the quality of education, they said. They urged the government to follow National Medical Council (NMC) norms and release an annual appointment calendar for timely recruitment. - Regulate Stipend Payments in Private Colleges
Private medical colleges are violating stipend norms, the doctors alleged. The government must issue strict orders ensuring compliance, especially for PG students and interns. - Resolve Scholarship Delays for Marginalised Students
SC, ST, BC, and minority students are facing delays in receiving scholarships. Many have received only partial reimbursements or none at all. As a result, students are being forced to pay fees out-of-pocket to reclaim their original certificates. Not a single student has received full fee reimbursement so far, they claimed.
A Call for Immediate Action
The association said it would not back down unless the government responds with swift and concrete measures. They warned that further inaction would result in prolonged disruptions to health services and medical education across Telangana.
