Andhra Pradesh doctors' strike enters day 5: Know the issues
Doctors working at Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in Andhra Pradesh have been on strike since September 29, and today marks day five.
With both outpatient and emergency services suspended, many rural and tribal communities are struggling to access basic healthcare.
Over 2,800 doctors are demanding the restoration of their in-service quota for postgraduate admissions and better allowances for serving in tough locations.
In-service quota for PG seats slashed
The government recently cut the in-service quota for clinical PG seats from 30% to just 15%, going back on an earlier promise to raise it to 20%.
The PHC Doctors's Association, represented by spokesperson Vinod Kumar, is now pushing for a written guarantee so they don't have to keep fighting this battle.
Patient care severely affected in rural areas
This standoff is hitting some of the state's most vulnerable areas hardest.
Even though the government has sent replacement doctors from other hospitals, patient care is still suffering.
The situation escalated with a hunger strike on October 3, showing just how serious things have become for both doctors and patients.