Shimla, Feb 26
Retired doctor Santlal Sharma, advisor of Himachal Medical Officer Association, has accused the government of deliberately ignoring the demands of the doctors. Fully justifying the doctors’ agitation, in a media communique he said that for a long time, the demands of the doctors have been kept in abeyance and they have been given a lollipop for talks, which is very unfortunate.
Dr. Sharma said that all the problems that people are facing due to the doctors’ movement are the result of the government’s negative thinking towards the fraternity. He said that after recent talks with HMOA and Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, it was felt that the government will soon take a suitable positive decision on their demands. He said that despite this, the government formed a committee and put their demands on hold.
Again urging the government to immediately accept the demands of the doctors he said that all their demands will have to be accepted before the doctors go on the proposed mass leave. He has said that they are not asking for any charity but is a right. Adding, that if the health services in the state are adversely affected due to their agitation, then the government will be completely responsible for it.
What are the demands
Restoration of Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA): Request to reinstate NPA in the salary of specialist doctors during appointments and in pension for retired doctors. Concerns raised about reduced salaries affecting specialist recruitment and healthcare quality.
Implementation of Dynamic Assured Career Progression Scheme: Demand for the implementation of the Dynamic Career Progression Scheme for doctors in Himachal Pradesh, similar to the Central Government’s scheme. Urgency emphasized for promotions to vacant positions based on merit and seniority to benefit both doctors and citizens.
Appointment and Responsibilities: Pending appointment of Health Director and unresolved issues regarding the Project Director of AIDS Control Society. Demand for aligning qualifications of program officers with MBBS degrees and sponsoring doctors for Master of Public Health (MPH) programs.
Staffing Adequacy: Lack of approved posts in community health centers and discrepancies in staffing across civil hospitals. Request for sanctioning adequate posts based on Indian Public Health Standard Guidelines to improve healthcare services.
Policy Amendments for Postgraduate (PG) Doctors: Proposal to end bonds for PG doctors from other states to facilitate employment for local doctors. Request for permission to sponsor PG studies with a reduced service period requirement of 2 years.
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