Government doctors federation plan to launch 2019-like protests

With their long-pending demands still unfulfilled, the Federation of Government Doctors’ Associations (FOGDA) has decided to launch protests similar to those held in 2019, including a non-cooperation movement, an indefinite fast, and finally, a strike if talks with the Finance Department, scheduled for January 19, fail to yield a solution.

The association has been raising several demands, including a review of Government Order 354, relating to pay and promotions, and an allowance of ₹3,000 for medical officers of Primary Health Centres.

The FOGDA said in a statement that they had made several representations to advance their demands to the Health Minister and held several meetings with the Health Secretary.

On January 9, FOGDA representatives were informed by the Health Minister that a meeting had been arranged with the Finance Ministry on January 19. This, the association said, was disappointing, as they had expected it to be held before Pongal.

It may be recalled that FOGDA had intensified its protests in October 2019 by launching an indefinite strike, while a few doctors observed an indefinite fast.