Hyderabad:
Talks between junior doctors who have been agitating for various demands, including a hike in stipend, and Andhra Pradesh government failed here tonight.
"Except agreeing for regular payment of stipend, none of our demands has been accepted. The government is forcing us to continue the strike. It shows their lack of concern for public health. But we will still attend to emergency duties," a representative of the junior doctors told reporters.
The medicos have been on the warpath for about 10 days with some of them going on indefinite fast.
State Health Minister D L Ravindra Reddy said the medicos insisted on reduction in the compulsory service period in rural areas, which was not acceptable. The government spends huge amount of money on their education, he pointed out.
Asserting that the medicos should behave like students, he warned that otherwise authorities would take stern action against them.
Telugu Desam Party and all other opposition parties have extended their support to the agitation of the junior doctors.