3,500 junior doctors and Senior Residents (SRs) of the Telangana Junior Doctors Association (TJUDA) have called off their protest after going on strike for a day. They had also suspended all COVID-19 emergency and elective services.

Only two of their four demands are met and the doctors have decided to return back to their duty as the plight of the COVID-19 patients in the hospitals would become worse.

The doctors in a statement said that after having talks with the principal secretary and Directorate of Medical Education, TJUDA members have expressed gratitude to Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and health authorities for giving a hike in the stipend for Interns, PGs and SRs. They have also allocated beds for doctors and their family members at Nizams Institute of Medical Sciences. The statement further added that keeping in view the health of patients which is their first priority and also responsibility to serve in the current crisis, they have decided to call off the strike.

All the doctors reported to duty at 9 p.m. However, they maintained that they have no job security and are also not well off, but still decided to return to duty after getting the positive response from the Chief Minister. 

The doctors said that the only issue which was not completely addressed was exgratia for martyred healthcare workers. The healthcare officials have given a verbal assurance that they will discuss alternatives for ex-gratia with the CM. Another issue that was not fully addressed is a dedicated hospital treatment to them if contracted with COVID-19.

The hiking in the stipend for junior doctors was done a week ago, while 15 percent hike in stipend was done for Senior Residents and was initiated by a G.O. with effect from 1st January 2021. The Indian Medical Association has also lent its support to the protesting doctors, emphasizing that their contribution was priceless and their demands were also justified.

Source: The New Indian Express