Doctors from Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across Andhra Pradesh are continuing their strike for the fifth consecutive day, which began on Monday, October 4, 2025. Their key demands include a higher in-service quota for PG medical courses and the prompt payment of allowances, particularly for those serving in remote tribal regions.
With over 2,800 doctors participating, outpatient services ceased on Monday, followed by the halt of emergency services from Tuesday evening. The ongoing protest culminated in a ‘Chalo Vijayawada’ march held on Saturday.
Dr. Vinod Kumar, spokesperson for the A.P. PHC Doctors’ Association, emphasized the need for a written government assurance that the finalized in-service quota would remain consistent in future years. “We do not want to be protesting every year for our demands,” Dr. Kumar stated, expressing the association’s frustration over the government’s reluctance to provide such a written commitment.
This isn’t the first time PHC doctors have protested these issues. Last year, statewide demonstrations erupted when the State government significantly cut the reservation for in-service candidates in PG medical admissions, reducing it from 30% to 15% in clinical branches and from 50% to 30% in non-clinical branches.
The previous protests were called off after Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav reportedly assured doctors that the quota in clinical branches would be raised to 20%. However, in August of this year, a new Government Order (G.O.) was issued, reverting the clinical branch quota to 15%, reigniting the current strike.
Beyond the quota dispute, doctors are also demanding specific allowances for those working in tribal areas, along with ‘Sanchara Chikitsa’ allowances. During discussions on Wednesday, health officials informed representatives that these allowance demands would require a report to be submitted to the Finance Department. Regarding time-bound promotions, officials indicated these would be granted without additional financial benefits.
The association members, however, view promotions without financial remuneration as unproductive. “Without financial benefit, a promotion will just mean a change in the post,” remarked Dr. Vinod Kumar.
“We have also asked them to provide a written assurance that a report will be sent to the Finance Department within two months. Until we receive a firm commitment, our strike will continue,” he affirmed.
Looking ahead, the association has announced plans for a hunger strike in Vijayawada on Sunday. The PHC doctors’ movement has garnered significant support from various organizations, including the United Medical and Health Employees’ Association, CITU, Praja Arogya Vedika, and ASHAs.