Another round of talks between Health Secretary G. Veerapandian and the representatives of the A.P. Junior Doctors’ Association on Monday (August 24, 2026) failed to make headway, as the protesting doctors reportedly refused the proposal put forth by the government.

According to the initial information, health officials proposed an additional 5% hike for MBBS interns, in addition to the 5% hike previously proposed for them. However, there was no change in the stipend hike proposed for junior doctors and senior residents. It should be noted that the government had proposed a 5% annual stipend increase for interns for the current year and a 3% increase for senior residents and junior doctors in the previous round of talks with the doctors.

The doctors refused the previous proposal, questioning how it is fair for the government to reduce the existing stipend model from a 15% increase every two years to a 3% annual hike. When the government appealed to the doctors to reconsider their demand for a 30% biennial hike, citing financial constraints on the state, the doctors lowered their demand from a 30% hike to a 20% hike.

As the doctors continued their strike on the 15th day, the government called them for talks. There is no word on the discussions with the government from the APJUDA, as more details are awaited.