Andhra Pradesh junior doctors boycott emergency duties

APJUDA boycotts emergency duties in Andhra Pradesh, demanding implementation of healthcare violence prevention bill, supported by medical associations.

A.P. Junior Doctors’ Association (APJUDA) general secretary P. Achyuth and a PG doctor from Kurnool Medical College (KMC) on Friday said junior doctors across the State boycotted emergency duties as well from August 15. They had boycotted only outpatient and ward duties till then.

“In the aftermath of vandalism at the Kolkata hospital on August 14 night, we have decided to boycott emergency duties from August 15 afternoon,” he said, adding that the protest would continue until their demands were met, one of which included implementation of the Prevention of Violence Against Healthcare Professionals and Clinical Establishments Bill, 2022.

In their absence, Service Post Graduates, those who completed MBBS and working in Primary Healthcare Centres, were performing the duties wearing black badges, he said, adding that teaching staff had also been roped in to render their services. Some doctors were working extra hours to let them protest, he said.

Mr. Achyuth said APJUDA expressed disappointment that there had been no statement on the incident from the State government.

“But we have received support from the Government Doctors’ Association (GDA) in the State and also from the Indian Medical Association, who called for a nationwide strike of doctors for 24 hours from 6 a.m. on August 17 to 6 a.m. on August 18,” he said.

While IMA State general secretary P. Phanidhar said emergency services would be attended to, GDA State president Jayadheer said all doctors from government hospitals would stage a dharna in front of the administrative offices from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on August 17, wearing black badges.

However, Government General Hospital In-charge Superintendent in Vijayawada said the government doctors had no permission to stage dharna for even an hour, and that they could express solidarity.