Andhra Pradesh junior doctors extend strike as talks with government stall

Junior medical officers in Andhra Pradesh announced that they will prolong their industrial action, citing a lack of progress in recent discussions with the state health department. The doctors, who have been protesting over issues such as staffing shortages, workload, and remuneration, said the latest round of talks did not address their core demands.

The strike, which began earlier this month, has disrupted outpatient services in several government hospitals across the state. Patients have been advised to seek care at private facilities or wait for the strike to be resolved.

Government officials, however, maintain that they are committed to a dialogue and are reviewing the doctors' grievances. They have urged the striking staff to return to work while negotiations continue, emphasizing the need to maintain essential health services for the public.

No new deadline has been set for the talks, and both sides appear prepared for a prolonged standoff unless a mutually acceptable solution is reached.