PHC doctors continue their strike for fifth day in Andhra Pradesh

Doctors working in the Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the State continued their strike on the fifth day on October 4, 2025 (Saturday) in support of their demands that included an increase in the in-service quota and payment of allowances.

The doctors, numbering more than 2,800, stopped attending to all the out-patient services from Monday and emergency services from Tuesday evening. There was a ‘Chalo Vijayawada’ protest on Saturday.

A.P. PHC Doctors’ Association spokesperson Vinod Kumar said the association had urged the government to give in writing that the in-service quota, once finalised, would be fixed for the upcoming years.

“We do not want to be protesting every year for our demands,” Dr. Vinod Kumar said. But, according to him, the government was not willing to give it in writing.

The previous year, too, the doctors had staged Statewide protests when the State government slashed reservation earmarked for in-service candidates for admissions to PG medical courses from 30% to 15% in clinical branches and 50% to 30% in non-clinical branches.

The doctors withdrew their protests after Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav had assured them that the quota in clinical branches would be increased to 20%. However, in August this year, the government went back on its word and released a G.O. finalising the quota in clinical branches at 15%, which triggered the ongoing strike.

The doctors also demand allowances for those working in the tribal areas and Sanchara Chikitsa allowances.

On this, the health officials had told the representatives on Wednesday that a report would have to be submitted to the Finance Department. Regarding time-bound promotions, the officials said they would be given without financial benefits.

But the association members found it futile. “Without financial benefit, a promotion will just mean a change in the post,” said Dr. Vinod Kumar.

“We have also asked them to give it in writing that a report will be sent to the Finance Department in two months. Until we get an assurance, we will continue our strike,” he said.

The association announced that a hunger strike would be held on Sunday in Vijayawada. The PHC doctors received support from the United Medical and Health Employees’ Association, CITU, Praja Arogya Vedika, and ASHAs.