BENGALURU: Hundreds of medical graduates who are currently pursuing the mandatory rural service have not received their salary for around two months. As per norms, they have to receive a salary of Rs 62,666 every month from the department of health and family welfare.
"We were a batch who worked during the pandemic. We put in 16-17 hours at a stretch during the second wave. Now that we have joined the mandatory rural service, the government is not paying us on time. We are doctors who have graduated, and deserve a salary as much as our peers in other professions," said a graduate.
"Some of us have got through PG-NEET, some are still trying. Those who got in for PG will complete this rural service later. This salary would help cover our fees and other needs," he said.
"Students have to go for PG or have other responsibilities. The government should give power to local district health officers for this. DHOs can take the attendance from the hospital concerned," said Dr Tejaswi HJ, chairman, IMA Junior Doctors Association.
Money will be released in week: OfficialHowever, we have also got reports of some doctors not reporting for rural service. Of the 2,100 in the initial list, around 1,700 had reported as mandated. Those who worked need to be paid,” he added. Principal secretary (health) Anil Kumar TK said: “The commissionerate of the health and family welfare has collected the number of students who reported to duty. Many of them do not report for rural service.
The commissioner submitted the list a couple of days ago. Now, that the numbers are collected, the money will be released in a week’s time.” “The requirement for salary has been sent to the government. Over Rs 130 crore is required for the same,” said Randeep D, commissioner for health and family welfare. Sanjay Raj, state secretary, university incharge RGUHS, NSUI Karnataka, said: “It is unfair that frontline warriors in the health system of this country are being treated so poorly. The delay in payment results in financial burden on parents/guardians for even basic necessities like food and accommodation even after students have graduated after 4.5 years of hard work. The health & family welfare department must settle this issue at the earliest.”
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