Telangana AYUSH House Surgeons continue indefinite strike over stipend hike

Warangal: Ananthalakshmi Government Ayurvedic Medical College and Teaching Hospital in Warangal witnessed an indefinite strike by Telangana AYUSH Joint Action Committee (JAC) house surgeons on Saturday, as the protestors continued their demand for a stipend hike. 

JAC joint secretary Dr Rohith Basre said the strike would continue in the coming days under the slogan “No holiday until justice.” The protesting AYUSH house surgeons have alleged that they have not received fair treatment regarding stipends for nearly a decade, reports The Daily. 

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According to Telangana Today, Basre said, “We are not asking for any special concessions from the State government. We are merely seeking equal pay for equal work”. He demanded the government issue a GO forthwith increasing AYUSH house surgeons’ stipend to match that of house surgeons in other medical disciplines with clear directives for its implementation.

JAC leaders said the house surgeons were forced to resort to an indefinite strike after repeated representations to the government over the past decade had failed to yield a permanent solution to the stipend issue.

Meanwhile, a notice issued by Ayurvedic Medical College principal Dr. Anasuya warning undergraduate students against participating in the house surgeons’ agitation has drawn criticism from the student community.

In the notice, the principal warned UG students of strict disciplinary action for participating in the strike. She also stated that information about their participation would be shared with their parents and the AYUSH department director. The college medical superintendent was instructed to prevent UG students from joining the protest.

The AYUSH JAC strongly objected to the principal’s notice, terming the alleged intimidation and pressure on students seeking to express solidarity with a peaceful and democratic movement unjustifiable. The JAC maintained that the house surgeons were fighting for their legitimate right to a fair stipend.

The strike has also received support from several professionals and representatives of Ayurveda and medical organisations. Vishwa Ayurveda Parishad (VAP) former general secretary Dr. Kishan, National Medical Association (NMA) member Dr. Chiluveru Ravinder and College Development Committee member Dr. Sambamurthy expressed solidarity with the protesting house surgeons.

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