AP Junior Doctors Temporarily Call Off Strike After High Court Intervention

The Andhra Pradesh Junior Doctors’ Association (AP JUDA) has temporarily withdrawn its strike, citing the need to safeguard patients’ interests and ensure continuity of medical services. The association said it hopes the state government will respond positively to its demands and arrive at an amicable solution.

AP JUDA said the Andhra Pradesh High Court directed junior doctors to resume duties in the interest of patients and asked the state government to resolve their demands within two weeks. The association said the court indicated that doctors could approach it again if the issues were not resolved by September 7.

The association clarified that the decision is only a temporary suspension of the strike and does not mean an end to its legal battle. If the government fails to provide a satisfactory solution, AP JUDA said it would pursue further legal remedies.

The association is primarily seeking a stipend hike from January 1, 2026 for interns, postgraduate medical students, super-speciality PG doctors and senior residents. It is also demanding strict implementation of National Medical Commission norms in the appointment of non-medical faculty.

AP JUDA has opposed the proposal to increase the retirement age of doctors to 65. Junior doctors had initially demanded a 30 per cent increase in stipends, but have now expressed willingness to settle for a 15 per cent hike.

The association said it has been submitting representations to the Health Department, Health Minister and senior officials since December 2025. However, it claimed that only verbal assurances were given and no formal government orders were issued.

After serving a strike notice on July 21, the doctors planned phased action from August 4. At the Health Department’s request, the strike was postponed by a week. With no written assurance or orders forthcoming, the phased strike began on August 10.

During the protest, talks were held with officials on August 10, 11, 15 and 24, but failed to produce a settlement. Following the court’s intervention, junior doctors met Health Minister Y. Satyakumar Yadav and senior officials.

The minister said the government would examine stipend levels and other benefits available to junior doctors in other states before taking a decision. Another round of talks is scheduled for August 27, while AP JUDA said negotiations and its legal efforts would continue until the demands are resolved.