Bhopal: The strike of Ayush Junior Doctors in Madhya Pradesh, which had been going on for the last two weeks, was postponed on October 8, 2023, after the state government agreed to meet some of their demands.
The Ayush Junior Doctors’ Association (AJDA) had gone on strike on September 23, 2023, demanding a hike in stipend, better working conditions, and recognition as medical doctors. The strike had affected healthcare services in Ayush hospitals across the state.
On October 8, 2023, the state government held a meeting with the AJDA representatives and agreed to meet some of their demands. The government agreed to increase the stipend of Ayush junior doctors from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 per month. The government also agreed to provide better working conditions, including adequate accommodation and transportation facilities.
In addition, the government agreed to consider the demand of Ayush junior doctors for recognition as medical doctors. The government said that it would form a committee to study the issue and submit its recommendations within two months.
The AJDA representatives said that they were satisfied with the government’s assurances and decided to postpone the strike. They said that they would resume the strike if the government failed to meet their demands within the stipulated time frame.
The strike of Ayush Junior Doctors in Madhya Pradesh had highlighted the plight of Ayush doctors in India. Ayush doctors are trained in traditional Indian systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda, Yoga, and Unani. However, they are not recognized as medical doctors and are paid less than their counterparts in allopathic medicine.
The postponement of the strike in Madhya Pradesh is a welcome development. It is hoped that the state government will meet the demands of Ayush junior doctors and improve their working conditions. This will help to attract more people to the Ayush profession and improve healthcare services in the state.