Gujarat Resident Doctors demand stipend hike, threaten stir

Ahmedabad: Due to prolonged lack of response from the government, the Junior Doctors Association (JDA) of both government and private medical colleges staged a demonstration on Thursday seeking an increase in their stipend and have further threatened to protest on July 11 if no action is taken. 

The association has stated that a peaceful protest will take place; however, it may escalate if their demands continue to be ignored by the government. 

Raising slogans outside the office of the medical superintendent of Civil Hospital Dr Rakesh Joshi, numerous resident doctors protested against the government. Later, a meeting was held with the college authorities and the JDA gave an application letter to the BJ Medical College dean, superintendent and PG director on the same day. 

Also read- 7000 Telangana Junior Doctors On Strike Demanding Timely Stipend Disbursement

According to the association, the stipend of resident doctors increases every three years as per the government circular. According to this, the last increase was applicable from 1/4/2021. The period of 3 years for this increase was completed on 31/3/2024. The first application form for this stipend increase was given to the Government on 4/3/2024. 

Afterwards, the All Gujarat Junior Doctors Association (All Gujarat JDA) and the Junior Doctors Association - BJ Medical College, Ahmedabad (JDA-BJMC) met in person with officials of the Health Department and the Health Minister five to six times, repeatedly submitting representations, said the association. 

Sharing the matter on 'X', the association said, "However, no positive steps have been taken by the government so far. The stipend increase rule has been made by the government and now the government is turning away from the rule made by itself. Poor and middle-class students study in government and private medical colleges.

The government remembers to increase the fees of medical colleges on time but turns a blind eye to the issue of stipend increases. Seeing all these things, the resident doctors have no faith in the government system."

As per the Mirror report, the association threatened that “If no action is taken, we will launch a protest from July 11. The protest will be peaceful initially but may intensify later."

Also read- Around 1,200 Employees At JJ Hospital Launch Indefinite Strike