Thu Oct 23 17:54:23 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten version as a news article:

Summary:

Around 1,000 doctors and medical staff from network hospitals in Andhra Pradesh are protesting the State government’s failure to pay pending dues under the Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva scheme. The hospitals have already discontinued services under the scheme, leading to a significant increase in patient load at government hospitals and causing some patients to postpone treatments. The A.P. Speciality Hospitals’ Association (ASHA), supported by other medical associations, has formed a Joint Action Committee to escalate the protest if the dues are not cleared promptly. The outstanding amount is approximately ₹2,700 crore, although the government released ₹250 crore just prior to the protest.

News Article:

Andhra Pradesh Doctors Protest Unpaid Dues, Strain on Public Hospitals Mounts

Vijayawada, October 23, 2025 – Approximately 1,000 doctors and medical staff from 450 network hospitals across Andhra Pradesh staged a protest today, demanding the immediate release of ₹2,700 crore in pending dues from the State government. The dues are owed to the hospitals under the Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva scheme, which provides free medical treatment to eligible citizens.

The protest, organized by the A.P. Speciality Hospitals’ Association (ASHA), saw widespread support from the Indian Medical Association, A.P. Government Doctors’ Association, A.P. Junior Doctors’ Association, and A.P. Nursing Homes Association. Representatives from these groups have formed a Joint Action Committee (JAC) to determine further actions if the government fails to address the issue promptly.

“The dues are mounting, and patients are suffering,” stated Jayadheer Babu, president of the A.P. Government Doctors’ Association. “Since network hospitals began discontinuing services under the scheme on October 10th, we’ve seen a significant increase in patient admissions at government hospitals.”

According to medical officials, government hospitals have experienced an average 25% increase in admissions, emergency room visits, and outpatient services. Some patients are reportedly postponing necessary medical treatments due to the disruption in services.

While the State government released ₹250 crore on Wednesday night, network hospitals say this is insufficient and have continued their strike, which is now in its 15th day. The JAC has vowed to escalate the protest if a comprehensive solution is not reached soon. The situation highlights the critical importance of timely payments to ensure the continued provision of healthcare services to vulnerable populations in Andhra Pradesh.

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