The state government, on Thursday, renewed its appeal of asking junior doctors to call off their strike.
Health Minister Kondru Murali Mohan said that the government was open for talks with the junior doctors, whose strike demanding an increase in stipend, amongst other issues, entered its 15th day on Thursday.
He said that the government would consider all the demands of the junior doctors if they withdraw the strike. However, the government would not bow down to "pressure tactics", he was quick to add.
He said that alternate arrangements were being made to ensure that patients do not suffer due to the strike.
Earlier, Kondru Murali Mohan assumed charge as the Health Minister, at his chambers in the L-Block of the Secretariat. He signed the first file pertaining to the salaries bill of the staff of 108 Emergency Services.
Later, he told reporters that the benefits of 104, 108 and Arogyasri services would be further extended to aid the poor and needy. (INN)