In Andhra Pradesh, Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav has pledged the government’s dedication to resolving the outstanding demands of Primary Health Centre (PHC) doctors. These doctors have suspended their outpatient services starting October 3rd, citing a lack of progress on crucial issues including promotions, allowances, increments, and other service-related matters.
A key demand from the PHC Doctors Association is the continuation of a uniform 15 percent in-service quota across all medical specialties for postgraduate admissions, valid for the next three academic years. This measure aims to ensure equitable opportunities for doctors pursuing further studies.
Minister Yadav assured that legitimate demands would be presented to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for consideration. In a press release issued on Saturday night, Yadav stated, “The government is positively committed to address in-service quota for medical post graduates and service-related demands with empathy. I will discuss the matter with the chief minister.”
The PHC doctors have been protesting since September 28th, boycotting hospital duties to press for their demands. These include extending the 15 percent in-service quota for postgraduates until the 2029-30 academic year, alongside implementing time-bound promotions, notional increments, and other financial benefits.
Officials briefed the minister, explaining that an expert committee reviewing the PG in-service quota identified 100 assistant professor positions in teaching hospitals and three under the Secondary Health Directorate for the 2025-26 academic year. While the quota technically applies to 103 posts, the government had previously approved 190 seats under this quota following requests from the doctors’ association.
Estimates suggest that 327 doctors will complete their postgraduate courses and return to service by November of this year, with an additional 450 in November 2026 and 312 in November 2027. The officials also noted that vacancies are being filled promptly under a zero-vacancy policy, ensuring no posts remain unfilled.