The Telangana Junior Doctors’ Association (TJUDA) has decided to go on strike on June 24. The members met with the Director of Medical Education (DME) Dr Vani and submitted the strike notice. They stated that their demands have not been fully met despite some proposals being raised in response to their previous strike notice.
The junior doctors have been demanding a Green Channel for timely release of stipends. TJUDA president Dr Ch G Sai Sriharsha mentioned that they had requested a Government Order (GO) to avoid financial strain on junior doctors and a Finance Department circular ensuring stipends are credited by the 10th of every month. They also called for medicos who have completed super-specialty to be appointed as contract assistants with a salary of Rs 1.25 lakh from their date of appointment for compulsory government service.
Additionally, TJUDA members demanded a 15% reservation in NEET UG for both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh students, with restrictions on AP students joining certain medical college seats in Telangana after June 2, 2014. They also highlighted security issues at government hospitals and the need for reinforcement of security outposts. The doctors called for a new building for Osmania Hospital and better infrastructure for government medical colleges.
During their previous strike, the doctors were told that no GO could be issued due to the election code in force, and were asked to hold off on the strike until it concluded. However, as no significant progress has been made towards meeting their demands, the TJUDA president expressed disappointment with the lack of action.
