The Andhra Pradesh Junior Doctors Association has extended the deadline for the proposed indefinite strike from November 1 to November 14. The decision to defer the strike followed an assurance from Health Minister Kodela Sivaprasad Rao that the contentious government orders 202, 203 and 204 would be cancelled. The GOs stipulate that all MD, MS and diploma candidates furnish a bond of Rs 15 lakh, and the Super Speciality PGs provide a bond of Rs 20 lakh, stating that they would work in government service for a period of five years after the completion of the course.

Addressing newsmen on Monday, Association president Dr P Srinivasan said the GOs were in violation of the fundamental rights of the junior doctors.

Earlier the Association had given a call for an indefinite strike from November 1 in protest against the `lack of clarity' from the government side with regard to the GOs. Now the Association has demanded that the government withdraw the orders failing which the medicos numbering about 14,000 would go on strike and cripple the medical services in government hospitals.

Dr Srinivasan criticised the government for not involving the junior doctors in discussions before issuing the orders. He said there were not enough posts in government hospitals to absorb all the 600 odd PG doctors passing out every year. In case only a few PGs would be appointed, the government must release the rest from the bond.

Describing the GOs as arbitrary and irrational, Dr Srinivasan took serious exception to the contention that the government was spending huge amounts to subsidise their education. He said medical colleges were a logical extension of teaching hospitals and it was the government's primary responsibility to run these hospitals.