Vijayawada: PHC Doctors' Talks with Government End Inconclusively
The negotiations between the government and Primary Health Care (PHC) doctors on Wednesday concluded without an agreement. While the government described the discussions as positive, the doctors rejected the proposals and announced they would continue their strike until their main demand—the repeal of GO 85—is addressed. This prolonged strike poses significant challenges for patients in rural areas who rely on PHCs for healthcare.
The Health, Medical, and Family Welfare department reported that the government was responsive to demands from government PHC doctors regarding in-service reservations for PG medical education. A two-hour meeting took place at the Secretariat involving government representatives and the PHC Doctors’ Association, including Health Minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav, MLC Vepada Chiranjeevi Rao, Special Principal Secretary MT Krishna Babu, Commissioner C. Hari Kiran, Director of Medical Education Dr. Narasimham, Dr. Radhika Reddy from Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, and Dr. Younus Meer, president of the Andhra Pradesh Primary Health Care Doctors Association (APPHCDA), along with 15 doctors from various locations.
During the meeting, PHCDA leaders expressed concerns about the in-service reservation policy and other issues, including the withdrawal of GO 85, timely promotions, nominal increments, and financial flexibility for other MBBS doctors working in government hospitals.
Minister Yadav assured the doctors that the government would consider the availability of specialist vacancies in government hospitals by the time PHC doctors complete their PG medical education and return to service in 2027. He promised amendments to GO 85 to address the doctors' concerns regarding PG admissions this year.
Yadav acknowledged the disparity between the number of specialist doctor vacancies in government hospitals in 2020 and the number of PHC doctors qualifying for PG exams this year. He reiterated his commitment to resolving the issue and confirmed that further discussions with the PHCDA would occur before finalizing the seat matrix for Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences.