Telangana Junior Doctors Strike for Better Facilities and Timely Stipends

Junior doctors in Telangana started a strike demanding timely stipends, improved infrastructure, and better security in hospitals. Protests included slogan shouting and staying away from outpatient services and elective surgeries. Discussions with the state Health Minister have yet to reach a conclusive agreement.

Junior doctors in Telangana commenced a strike on Monday, advocating for timely stipend release, enhanced infrastructure, and improved security in hospitals.

The doctors, voicing their demands through protests at various state-run hospitals, boycotted work including outpatient services and elective surgeries.

Earlier protests featured dramatic displays such as blindfolding.

They claimed that newly-built medical colleges lack essential facilities including proper washrooms and rest rooms.

According to the doctors, Osmania General Hospital in Hyderabad is in a dilapidated state, endangering doctors and patients as parts of the roof have started falling.

They are demanding the release of their stipends through a 'green channel' for unhindered access.

Representatives of the junior doctors met with state Health Minister D Damodar Rajanarasimha, but the discussions remained inconclusive.

A doctor representative noted that the minister had addressed some of their concerns, revealing that the health department had forwarded a proposal to the finance department for improving hostel facilities.

A meeting is scheduled with police officials to discuss enhancing security at government hospitals.

The striking doctors will decide their next steps after informing colleagues about the talks.