Resident Doctors in Gujarat to Strike Over Stipend Dispute, Reducing Emergency Services

Junior doctors across the state, who had previously gone on strike in protest against a rape-murder case involving a colleague, are once again preparing to strike. This time, the resident doctors will go on strike starting Monday over stipend issues. During the strike, resident doctors will refrain from providing all services, including emergency care. They express their frustration with the government, stating that the stipend, which should be increased every three years, is now set to be raised only every five years. Additionally, the stipend has been increased by only 20% instead of the expected 40%. Consequently, they will strike starting tomorrow.

Government Ignored 25 Appeals, Says Shashank Ashra

Shashank Ashra, Vice President of the Junior Doctors Association (JDA), stated that the stipend is supposed to be increased every three years, and they were to benefit from this increase starting April 1, 2024. However, the increase was delayed until August. Previously, since 2009, they received a 40% increase, but this time, it was only 20%. Now, the stipend increment will occur every five years instead of three. As a result, they plan to strike tomorrow, halting all services, including emergency care. Despite making 25 appeals to the government, their demands have not been met. They do not want to close emergency services and inconvenience patients, but their demands have not been addressed for a long time, forcing them to protest. More than 1,200 junior doctors at BJ Medical College and over 3,500 resident doctors across Gujarat will join the strike, along with over 3,000 intern doctors from the state.

Demand for 40% Stipend Increase

Representatives of BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad stated that they have been legally appealing to the Health Minister and officials from the Health Department for a stipend increase over the past six months. According to these appeals, the stipend for junior doctors is increased by 40% every three years, with the last increase on April 1, 2021. The three-year period ended on March 31, 2024. Therefore, they demand a 40% stipend increase starting April 1, 2024, as per government circular.

Dissatisfaction with a Mere 20% Increase

During a meeting with the Health Minister on July 9, 2024, they were assured a 40% stipend increase, which led them to temporarily suspend their agitation, trusting the democratic government. Despite numerous meetings, continuous efforts over the past six months, and complete faith in the government, they were given only a 20% increase, which they find unsatisfactory. Moreover, the next stipend increment period has been extended to five years, which they feel violates their trust.

Loss of Trust in the Government

Given all these issues, the students of BJ Medical College have lost trust in the government. Starting from Monday, September 2, 2024, they feel compelled to withdraw from all duties to fight for their rights through peaceful means, as guided by Gandhi. The government will be held responsible for any adverse effects resulting from this protest.

State Government Announces 20% Stipend Increase on August 31

On August 31, the state government announced a 20% increase in stipends for interns and resident doctors. According to this increase, medical interns in government medical colleges will receive ₹21,840, dental interns ₹20,160, physiotherapy interns ₹13,440, and interns in Ayurveda and Homeopathy ₹15,120. The government order implementing this stipend increase is effective from April 1, 2024.

How Much Was the Stipend Increased for Residents?

Medical residents in super-specialty services will receive ₹1,20,960 in the first year, ₹1,26,000 in the second year, and ₹1,34,400 in the third year. Dental residents (degree) will receive ₹78,960 in the first year, ₹81,480 in the second year, and ₹83,496 in the third year. Physiotherapy residents (degree) will receive ₹35,280 in the first year and ₹43,680 in the second year.

State Has 4,302 Interns and 5,332 Resident Doctors

The state’s government medical colleges, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, dental, physiotherapy colleges, and GMERS medical colleges have 4,302 interns, while there are 5,332 resident doctors. Increasing the stipends of these students will place an additional burden of ₹122.83 crores on the government’s treasury.

Benefits Extended to Doctors at 6 Government and 13 GMERS Medical Colleges

The stipend rates for undergraduate interns and postgraduate as well as super-specialty resident doctors in 6 government and 13 GMERS (Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society) medical colleges have been increased. The increased stipend rates will benefit undergraduate interns and postgraduate and super-specialty resident doctors in medical, dental, physiotherapy, homeopathy, and Ayurveda programs at government medical colleges in the state.

What Benefits Will Degree Medical Residents Receive?

Degree medical residents will receive ₹1,00,800 in the first year, ₹1,02,480 in the second year, ₹1,05,000 in the third year, and ₹1,10,880 as senior residents in the fourth year and clinical assistants.

What Benefits Will Diploma Medical Residents Receive?

Diploma medical residents will receive ₹75,600 in the first year and ₹82,320 in the second year. Postgraduate residents in Ayurvedic services will receive ₹50,400 in the first year, ₹53,760 in the second year, and ₹57,120 in the third year. Additionally, interns in undergraduate programs at GMERS medical colleges will receive ₹21,840, junior residents ₹1,00,800, and senior residents ₹1,10,880.