Uttar Pradesh MBBS doctors protest over pay disparity, pending salary arrears; announce work boycott

In the past week, hundreds of MBBS doctors employed by government hospitals across Uttar Pradesh gathered outside the state health department to voice frustration over a pay structure that rewards postgraduate specialists far more than general practitioners. The disparity has grown over several years as the state introduced higher allowances for doctors with advanced qualifications while keeping the basic salary for MBBS holders unchanged. This gap has left many junior doctors struggling to meet basic living expenses, especially in rural postings where cost of living is high.

The grievance is compounded by a backlog of salary arrears that many doctors say have been pending for months, if not years. Earlier promises from the health ministry to clear the dues have not materialised, leading to a loss of confidence among the medical community. Several senior officials have reportedly assured that the government would allocate funds in the upcoming budget, but no official order has been issued to date, prompting the doctors to view the assurances as empty.

By announcing a work boycott, the doctors intend to halt non‑emergency services in public hospitals until their demands are met. While emergency care will continue, the suspension of outpatient departments and routine procedures could affect thousands of patients who rely on free or low‑cost treatment. Health experts warn that prolonged disruption may strain private facilities and increase out‑of‑pocket expenses for vulnerable populations. The protest has drawn attention from opposition parties, who are calling for a swift resolution to avoid a health crisis.