According to news reports, Dr. Kuldeep, in his resignation letter, stated that the situation had made it impossible for him to sustain himself and support his family.
He stated that more than half a dozen contractual doctors in the district have not been paid for the last six months due to a lack of budget under “Account Head 26”, through which their salaries are disbursed. He said he had written to District Health Officer (DHO) Dr Thimmayya four months ago regarding the issue and was assured the issue would be resolved, but no action followed, reports TNIE. After completing his MBBS, he joined the Kollamogru PHC two-and-a-half years ago. He said that for the first six months, his salary had been credited on time. Later, delays of one to three months had become routine, but he had somehow managed. Now it had been six months without pay, and he had exhausted all his savings. With no other option, he had decided to resign.
The salary delay has had a severe impact on his family as well. His parents are dependent on him, and his father, who is undergoing dialysis, has been particularly affected. Speaking to TNIE, the doctor said, “I have not received my salary since July. Even a delay of a month or two hits hard. Imagine the impact of not being paid for six months.”
Following his resignation, the DHO reportedly urged him to reconsider, assuring him that the pending salaries would soon be released. However, the doctor refused, citing concerns about repeated delays and career uncertainty. He added that many other doctors facing similar issues are hesitant to speak out, especially those with family responsibilities.
Kollamogru PHC serves a population of over 10,000. The doctor worked from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm and earned a monthly salary of Rs 60,000. He clarified that there were no issues with the work, and he was satisfied serving poor and needy patients—the only problem was the salary.
Speaking to Daiji World, he also pointed out that he travelled nearly 80 km every day from Sullia to Kollamogru, and was occasionally required to report for duty at neighbouring PHCs when medical officers were unavailable. While salary delays of one to two months are not uncommon for contract doctors, Dr Kuldeep said the restriction on private practice makes prolonged non-payment especially difficult. He said he has now decided to focus on pursuing an MD degree.
Also Read:Delayed salaries, staff shortage disrupt TVVP hospital services: Doctors' body
Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat CEO Narwadi Vinayak Kharbari confirmed that salaries of seven contractual doctors were delayed due to non-release of funds under a specific account head and said steps are being taken to release the pending payments.
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