Uttar Pradesh MBBS doctors protest over pay disparity, pending salary arrears; announce work boycott
The doctors also announced a work boycott, adding that no action or decision has been taken despite assurances regarding addressing salary disparity.
On October 13, 2026, MBBS doctors in Uttar Pradesh took to the streets of Lucknow, demanding equal pay for equal work and release of pending salary arrears. The protest escalated into a standoff and a clash with police. Despite assurances from Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Brijesh Pathak in September 2026, a government order addressing salary disparity was never issued, fueling the doctors' frustration.
Animesh Kumar, an MBBS doctor, highlighted the pay disparity, stating that while he earns around ₹50,000 at Primary Health Centres (PHC), batchmates in government medical colleges receive significantly higher salaries under the National Health Mission (NHM). Sukriti Pandey, another doctor, emphasized the impact of this disparity on their dedication to patient care.
The Opposition accused the government of a strategy to disrupt the health sector for corporate interests. The Samajwadi Party condemned the police brutality against the doctors, while U.P. Congress leader Anil Yadav expressed concerns about corporate takeover of healthcare in smaller towns.
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