6,000 Telangana AYUSH Doctors Threaten Indefinite Strike From August 4
Warangal: Telangana AYUSH Doctors Threaten to launch an indefinite statewide strike from August 4, 2026, if the Telangana government does not approve a long-pending hike in stipends for house surgeons and postgraduate scholars within the next 15 days. The warning comes after the Telangana AYUSH House Surgeons and Postgraduates Joint Action Committee (AYUSH HS&PG-JAC) submitted a formal strike notice to the authorities at Anantha Lakshmi Government Ayurvedic Teaching Hospital in Warangal.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) said nearly 6,000 house surgeons and postgraduate scholars from government AYUSH medical colleges and hospitals across Telangana are expected to participate in the protest if the issue remains unresolved.
Telangana AYUSH Doctors Threaten Statewide Protest Over Stipend Hike
The Telangana AYUSH Doctors Threaten protest follows years of representations and meetings with senior government officials regarding the revision of stipends paid to AYUSH medical trainees.
According to the JAC, the current stipend of Rs 13,500 per month has remained unchanged since 2016, despite the increasing cost of living and growing financial burden on students pursuing postgraduate medical education.
The committee has urged the Telangana government to issue orders revising the stipend within 15 days. Failing this, the proposed indefinite strike will begin on August 4, 2026.
Doctors Demand Implementation of GO 77
Speaking to the media, JAC Joint Secretary Dr. Rohith Basre said the Telangana AYUSH Doctors Threaten agitation is based on the implementation of Government Order (GO) 77, which provides for a monthly stipend of Rs 30,000 for AYUSH house surgeons and postgraduate scholars, bringing them on par with students in allopathic medicine.
He alleged that although the government order exists, the revised stipend has not been implemented for AYUSH students, leaving thousands of trainees under financial stress.
The committee believes implementing GO 77 would help address the long-standing disparity in stipends.
Financial Burden on AYUSH Students
The Telangana AYUSH Doctors Threaten movement also highlights the financial difficulties faced by house surgeons and postgraduate scholars over the last decade.
According to JAC leaders, the cost of accommodation, food, transportation, educational materials, and other daily expenses has increased significantly since 2016, while the stipend has remained the same.
Many trainees working in government AYUSH hospitals reportedly struggle to meet basic living expenses while simultaneously providing healthcare services as part of their medical training.
The committee said a timely revision of stipends would provide much-needed financial relief and allow students to focus on their academic and clinical responsibilities.
Around 6,000 AYUSH Trainees May Join Strike
The Telangana AYUSH Doctors Threaten agitation could impact services in government AYUSH medical colleges and teaching hospitals across the state if the proposed strike begins.
According to the JAC, approximately 6,000 house surgeons and postgraduate scholars are expected to participate in the indefinite strike if their demands are ignored.
Undergraduate students at the Anantha Lakshmi Government Ayurvedic Teaching Hospital have also extended their support to the movement.
JAC leaders, including Dr. Seshu, Dr. Sangameswar Reddy, Dr. Vamsi, Dr. Vinay, Dr. Bhavana, Dr. Pranitha, and Dr. Amulya, said students stand united in demanding a fair revision of stipends.
Government Yet to Respond
The Telangana AYUSH Doctors Threaten protest comes after what the JAC describes as nearly a decade of unsuccessful efforts to resolve the issue through dialogue.
Committee representatives said they have repeatedly submitted memorandums and held discussions with the Health Minister, Finance Minister, Health Secretary, AYUSH Director, and other senior officials, but no final decision has been taken.
As of now, the Telangana government has not issued an official response to the latest strike notice.
If no action is taken before the expiry of the 15-day deadline, Telangana AYUSH Doctors Threaten to proceed with an indefinite strike from August 4, a move that could affect the functioning of government AYUSH hospitals and medical colleges across the state. The Telangana AYUSH Doctors Threaten protest has also drawn attention to the broader issue of financial support for medical trainees and the implementation of existing government commitments.