Govt docs end strike after Harish’s assurances

Hyderabad: Members of the Telangana Teaching Government Doctors Association (TTGDA) decided to end their week-long strike on Saturday after health minister T. Harish Rao assured them that efforts would be made to fulfil their demands.

The doctors at 17 medical colleges in the state had been on strike since July 25 over multiple demands, and were wearing black badges to work. A meeting with the Director of Medical Education (DME) had not resolved any issues.

On Saturday, the minister gave an opportunity to about 100 representatives and primary members of the TTGDA to participate in discussions. After hearing their demands, the minister agreed to fulfil three demands which were within his scope - creation of another DME post, undertaking general transfers and taking a decision on the appointment of assistant professors on a permanent basis.

Regarding three other demands — earned leave) encashment, fixation formula for absorption of doctors and provision of transport allowance — Harish Rao asked the TTGDA representatives to discuss these with the health secretary. Later, he said these would also be discussed with the Chief Minister and a decision would be reached.

After the discussions with the minister, the TTGDA members held a discussion among themselves and decided to stop the display of black badges. The doctors will resume their strike by wearing black badges if they don't get a positive response by August 16.