Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – Doctors serving under mandatory Uttar Pradesh government service bond rules have announced a work boycott, citing long-standing pay disparities and pending salary arrears. The protest, which has escalated in recent weeks, saw MBBS doctors demonstrating in Lucknow on Tuesday, demanding equal pay for equal work and the release of outstanding salary dues. The situation has led to a standoff, with reports of clashes between doctors and the police.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the doctors are particularly aggrieved by the significant difference in salaries compared to their peers working in government medical colleges and under the National Health Mission (NHM). According to the protesting doctors, those posted at Primary Health Centres (PHC) and Community Health Centres (CHC) receive a monthly remuneration of around ₹50,000 to ₹65,000 without allowances. In contrast, their counterparts in government medical colleges, holding the same qualifications and bond commitments, receive a higher salary on the Level-10 pay scale, often exceeding ₹1 lakh per month, along with applicable allowances.
The doctors have been advocating for a “one bond, one salary” policy, arguing that equitable pay should be provided irrespective of their posting location or batch year. This demand stems from the fact that Uttar Pradesh mandates a two-year compulsory service bond for students who complete their MBBS or BDS from state-run government medical colleges. Despite assurances from the government, including a promise from Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Brijesh Pathak on September 2, 2026, that a government order addressing these concerns would be issued, the doctors report that the order has yet to be released. This delay has reportedly fuelled frustration and anger among the medical fraternity.
The United Doctors Front (UDF) has also intervened, writing to the Governor of Uttar Pradesh to seek intervention over the delayed issuance of a government order to increase their monthly remuneration. The UDF highlighted a government letter dated September 3, 2026, which indicated in-principle approval for a remuneration increase to ₹1,00,000 per month, but noted that further action remained pending. The doctors also seek the immediate release of admissible arrears for services already rendered and demand remuneration at par with bonded doctors serving in government medical colleges, including applicable Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA), and Travel Allowance (TA).
The protest has garnered support from opposition parties, with the Samajwadi Party (SP) condemning the alleged police brutality against the doctors. SP leader Sudhir Panwar suggested that the government’s handling of the situation could be a deliberate strategy to undermine the public health sector, potentially paving the way for corporate entities to take over. Similarly, a senior UP Congress leader, Anil Yadav, accused the ruling party of aiming to damage trust in the government health system to benefit private corporate players, particularly in smaller towns and villages.
The escalating situation raises concerns about potential disruptions to healthcare services across Uttar Pradesh, particularly impacting outpatient services, as the doctors have announced an indefinite work boycott. While emergency and trauma care services are expected to remain unaffected, the broader impact on patient care is yet to be seen. The doctors have reiterated their commitment to patient welfare but stated they have been left with no other option than to resort to such measures due to the government’s inaction on their demands.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
