Himachal hikes salary of medical officers
Shimla, Aug 5
In a significant decision aimed at strengthening healthcare services, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday approved an increase of 78 per cent in the salary of contract and Job Trainee Medical Officers.
With this decision, the monthly salary has been increased to Rs 60,000 from Rs 33,660.
Earlier in 2022 after the implementation of the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission, the salary of Job Trainee Medical Officers (Specialists) was raised from Rs 27,000 to Rs 33,660 with an increase of around 24 per cent.
Now, the state government has approved a 78 per cent salary hike, providing a substantial boost to these specialists.
This decision is expected to encourage specialist doctors to serve in government healthcare institutions and help ensure the availability of quality healthcare services in remote areas of the state, a government statement said.
The state government has been taking steps to strengthen the healthcare sector to enable that people can access better treatment and modern medical facilities close to their homes, reducing the need to travel outside the state for healthcare.
In line with this vision, the state government had earlier increased the monthly stipend of postgraduate (PG) medical students studying in government medical colleges.
The stipend for first-year PG students was increased from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000, for second-year PG students from Rs 45,000 to Rs 60,000 and for third-year PG students from Rs 50,000 to Rs 65,000.
The medical students pursuing post-graduation play a crucial role in patient care alongside their academic training.
Recognising their responsibilities, the state government enhanced their stipends to motivate them to provide better healthcare services.
Similarly, keeping in view the important role of Senior Residents and other specialist doctors in the medical colleges, the state government also increased their monthly stipends from 50 per cent to 170 per cent.
The monthly stipend of Senior Residents and Tutor Specialists has been increased from Rs 60,000-Rs 65,000 to Rs 100,000. And the monthly stipend of Super Specialists and Senior Residents (Super Specialists) has been increased from Rs 60,000-Rs 65,000 to Rs 130,000.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Ye sahi kadam hai, lekin himachal ke pahadi areas mein abhi bhi doctors nahi jaana chahte. Salary badhane se kuch fark padega, par infrastructure bhi improve karna hoga. Government ko transport aur accommodation ka bhi dhyan rakhna chahiye.
A 78% raise is substantial, but let's see if it actually translates into better healthcare delivery in the hills. The stipend hikes for PG students and senior residents also show a holistic approach. Good to see state governments prioritizing health.
Honestly, earning ₹33,660 for a specialist doctor was a joke! My cousin works in a rural PHC in Himachal and she had to take tuitions on the side to make ends meet. This hike is a much-needed relief. But let's hope it doesn't just remain on paper.
Great move by CM Sukhu ji! But the real challenge is posting doctors in tribal areas like Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti. Salary alone won't solve it; need better schools for their kids and job opportunities for their spouses. Still, appreciate the effort.
This is a step in the right direction. However, I wonder about the financial burden on the state exchequer. Will this lead to cuts elsewhere, maybe in medicines or equipment? Let's hope the budget is managed wisely.
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