The Andhra Pradesh Junior Doctors’ Association (APJUDA) has called off its 16-day strike after the Andhra Pradesh High Court directed the State government to address the concerns raised by the protesting doctors within two weeks.
Junior doctors across Andhra Pradesh are expected to resume their duties on August 26, following the decision announced by the association on Tuesday, August 25.
High Court intervention ends prolonged strike
The strike, which continued for more than two weeks, was called off after the High Court intervened in the matter and directed the State government to take steps to address the concerns of the junior doctors within the stipulated time.
APJUDA president U. Eswar Shankar said the association had decided to withdraw the protest and that all participating junior doctors would return to duty from Wednesday. The court order was yet to be uploaded online at the time of the announcement.
Junior doctors to resume hospital duties
The decision is expected to bring relief to government teaching hospitals and medical institutions that were affected during the 16-day protest. Junior doctors play a key role in providing patient care, including emergency and hospital services.
With the strike being called off, medical services are expected to return to normal as junior doctors resume their regular duties across the State.
Government asked to address concerns
The High Court has directed the Andhra Pradesh government to consider and address the concerns raised by the junior doctors within two weeks. The association has withdrawn the strike in accordance with the court’s direction.
The issues raised by APJUDA are now expected to be taken up by the State government during the period specified by the High Court. Further developments will depend on the government’s response to the concerns placed before it by the junior doctors’ association.
What happens next?
Junior doctors will resume work from August 26 while the Andhra Pradesh government works towards addressing their concerns within the two-week period indicated by the High Court. The outcome of the discussions between the government and APJUDA will determine the next course of action.
