Over 350 in-service doctors in Rajasthan awaiting posting for months, Immediate Action demanded
In-service Doctors in Rajasthan
Jaipur: More than 350 specialist doctors in Rajasthan, who had joined the postgraduate medical courses under the in-service quota and obtained study leave during the duration of the course, are awaiting their posting even after completing their PG medical education earlier this year.
Instead of permanent posting, the State Health Department has kept the doctors on deputation. Therefore, these doctors received no salary for three months.
Highlighting the issue, the doctors under the United Doctors Front (UDF), Rajasthan, recently wrote to the State Health Department authorities, seeking intervention to address the matter.
They have also met the Minister of Health, the Principal Secretary, and other senior officials on multiple occasions seeking a solution to this problem. "Unfortunately, there has been no concrete response or resolution so far," said Dr. Bharat Pareek, the President of UDF Rajasthan.
The association recently wrote to the Principal Secretary of the State Medical and Health Department and highlighted the issues related to the lack of proper posting of serving doctors of PG batch 2021 after completing postgraduation and the salary during APO (Awaiting Posting Order) period.
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UDF pointed out that more than three months have passed since the serving doctors of the PG 2021 batch have passed their PG medical courses. However, till now the Government has not issued a formal posting and due to this, the doctors are facing a lot of trouble.
"It is frequently observed that after completing PG, doctors do not receive timely postings; instead, they are kept for an extended period on “APO” (Awaiting Posting Orders) at the Directorate or their respective medical colleges. This APO period often stretches to four or five months, during which their salaries remain on hold. Once postings are finally released, doctors must visit multiple government offices to draw the salary for this period, leading to mental, physical, and financial stress," the Association mentioned in the letter.
It also highlighted that several in-service doctors have already been selected for Senior Residency (SRship) but cannot join because they have not yet received their formal postings. As a result, they are falling behind their peers at a crucial stage of their careers.
"Recently, the number of patients has risen sharply owing to COVID-19 and the ongoing heatwave. If specialist doctors are posted promptly, it would greatly strengthen the Government’s ability to manage these crises. We therefore humbly request that all in-service doctors of PG Batch 2021 be granted their proper postings without further delay and that salaries for the APO period be released promptly and on a regular basis," the letter mentioned.
Speaking to Medical Dialogues regarding the issue, Dr. Pareek said, "As the State President of the United Doctors Front, Rajasthan, I wish to express serious concern regarding the prolonged delay in issuing formal postings to in-service doctors of PG Batch 2021. Despite having completed their postgraduate training over four months ago, these doctors are still awaiting their permanent posting orders."
"This lack of timely posting has left our doctors in a highly vulnerable position. Many are facing severe financial hardship, struggling to meet basic living expenses and provide for their families. Moreover, those selected for Senior Residency (SRship) are unable to join their positions, causing further setbacks in their careers," he further added.
Urging the Government to provide a solution in this regard, Dr. Pareek further said, "At a time when the state is battling public health challenges such as the heatwave and a potential rise in covid cases, it is crucial that these qualified specialists are deployed without delay. The Government must act immediately to issue formal postings and release pending salaries for the APO (Awaiting Posting Order) period, ensuring justice and dignity for our healthcare professionals."
