Doctors' body seeks governor's intervention over UP MBBS bonded doctors' remuneration hike demand

New Delhi: Amid the ongoing protest by bonded MBBS doctors, a doctors' body has sought the Uttar Pradesh Governor's intervention over the delay in issuing a government order to increase their monthly remuneration.

Medical Dialogues had reported that MBBS bonded doctors in Uttar Pradesh have been on an indefinite hunger strike since September 18, 2026. The situation further escalated after several doctors were detained by police when a delegation of the protesting doctors visited the residence of Finance Minister Shri Suresh Khanna to present their demands. During the protest, the doctors and police administration allegedly engaged in a scuffle, and the protestors were removed. Several of the protesting doctors were allegedly detained and taken away in a police van.

MBBS doctors from the 2018, 2019, and 2020 batches of Uttar Pradesh's government medical colleges are protesting against salary disparities. The doctors alleged that despite having the same degree, the same bond, and the same service, they are being paid different salaries.

They stated that while bonded doctors at Community Health Centres and Primary Health Centres receive only Rs 50,000-65,000 per month without allowances, those posted at government medical colleges receive Level-10 pay with applicable allowances, while NHM doctors doing similar work at CHCs/PHCs earn over Rs 1 lakh. Hence, they are demanding "one bond, one salary" with equal pay and allowances for all bonded doctors.

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak met the protesting doctors and assured them that a uniform pay scale would be implemented. Pathak said a government order addressing their salary concerns would be issued, and for this he sought time from the doctors until 2 PM on September 3.

Meanwhile, the doctors initiated an indefinite hunger strike from September 18, 2026, alleging that despite assurances from the Government, no order has been issued to date.

UDF sent letter

Following this, the United Doctors Front (UDF), in a letter to the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, referred to Government Letter No. I/1451874/2026, dated September 3, 2026, issued by the Special Secretary, Medical and Health Department. As per the letter, bonded MBBS doctors posted at Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) currently receive monthly remuneration ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 65,000 under the existing framework dated June 22, 2017.

"It also records the Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister's in-principle approval of the proposal to increase remuneration to 1,00,000 per month, while stating that further action remains under process. Despite repeated assurances, the affected doctors report that the final government order authorising revised remuneration and its implementation has still not been communicated. These doctors fulfil compulsory service obligations and substantial clinical responsibilities, yet continue to face uncertainty over their remuneration," the UDF letter mentioned.

UDF mentioned in the letter that the protesting doctors have stated that issuance of a formal government order on their remuneration is essential for them to call off the ongoing peaceful protest.

"Prompt administrative action is therefore essential to resolve the grievance and facilitate restoration of services. The continuing impasse and ongoing strike are also affecting public healthcare services, particularly at CHCs and PHCs serving rural communities. We respectfully seek your kind intervention to expedite issuance and implementation of the government order in the interests of both the doctors and the public," the letter added.

Further UDF demanded a written communication within 24 hours to the doctors' representatives confirming the status of approvals and a definite timeline for issuance and implementation of the government order, expedited financial concurrence and issuance of the final government order, preferably within seven days, specifying revised remuneration, eligible doctors, effective date, applicable allowances and payment instructions, a reasoned written decision on outstanding demands for parity with comparable non-PG junior residents, applicable allowances and admissible arrears, ensuring consistent treatment of equivalent bonded appointments and an urgent meeting with the doctors' representatives and designation of a nodal officer to coordinate implementation and timely payment by the concerned institutions and district authorities.

Demands:

The protesting doctors are demanding Level-10/5,400 Grade Pay remuneration for bonded doctors posted at CHCs and PHCs, at par with bonded doctors serving at government medical colleges. They have also demanded applicable DA, HRA, NPA, and TA, along with the immediate release of admissible arrears for the affected batches for periods of service already rendered.

They have also sought a time-bound written decision and official communication, with an early appointment/meeting with representatives of the doctors, equal pay for all bonded doctors performing equivalent duties, irrespective of batch, institution of graduation, or place/institution of posting, appropriate allowance for doctors serving at remote, rural and difficult CHC/PHC postings and provision of annual increment as applicable, so that remuneration does not remain stagnant under the outdated fixed-pay structure.

The doctors had also submitted a representation to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, seeking his intervention in the matter.

Also read- One bond: One salary demand: UP Bonded doctors on hunger strike, several detained during protest