Junior Doctors' Strike: Talks Fail

Talks between the striking junior doctors and the state government failed, after both sides continued to stick to their stand on the stipend issue.

The talks were held on Monday at the state Secretariat, between Primary Education Minister K Sailajanath and the representatives of junior doctors. Sailajanath is is also a member of the Cabinet sub-committee on junior doctors.

Briefing the media, Sailajanath said that the doctors were insisting on a stipend of more than Rs. 30,000, and that they unwilling to reduce the figure.

He categorically stated that the government might not consider an increase of more than 15% of the current stipend. However, he also said he would discuss the issue with other members of the Cabinet sub-committee before arriving at a conclusion.

Meanwhile, junior doctors' representative Aditya said that the junior doctors had earlier demanded payment of Rs. 31,000 - Rs. 33,000, but that in view of additional financial burden that the state might have to suffer, the demand was reduced by Rs. 2,000 for all MBBS students.

The junior doctors also denied that their agitation was political in nature. They accused the government of being non-responsive to their demands and also to public health.

The junior doctors said that they were willing to work anywhere in the state, including in rural areas, if the government provides them a permanent job after post-graduation.

The talks between the junior doctors and the Cabinet sub-committee are likely to be resumed on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the junior doctors said that they would continue the strike till all their demands are met. (INN)