Telangana PG medicos allege Rs 15,000 rejoin fee, months-long stipend delays after maternity leave

Hyderabad: Highlighting the hurdles faced by female postgraduate medical doctors working in government and private hospitals in Telangana during their maternity leave, doctors have demanded urgent intervention from relevant authorities to address these issues promptly.

Doctors under the Telangana Senior Resident Doctors Association (TSRDA) have alleged that the lack of clear guidelines from the University and a communication gap between the University and medical colleges are resulting in confusion and inconsistent practices.

Referring to this, the association said, "While colleges claim that the university is responsible, attempts to communicate with the university often result in delays or direct college interventions, which are interpreted as absences, leading to attendance shortages and potential disqualification from exams."

New mothers are being forced to pay Rs 15,000 after completion of the mandatory three-month maternity leave, and when the maternity leave is being extended, they are being denied any stipend. During the extended period, female PG doctors are not being allowed to take casual leave, even in medical emergencies or in case of child's health issues.

Female PG Doctors Forced to Pay Rs 15,000:

"After completing the mandatory 3-month maternity leave, students are compelled to pay ₹15,000 to rejoin their courses. Following this, they must wait an additional 15-20 days, sometimes more than a month, to obtain permission from the university. During this period, they are often denied access to departmental facilities," TSRDA mentioned.

"During the extension period postmaternity leave, students do not receive stipends. Even after completing the extension, stipends are delayed by 4-5 months, causing severe financial hardship and adversely affecting maternal and child health," it said, further adding, "Female postgraduates are not permitted to take casual leaves during the extension period, even in medical emergencies or for child health issues, despite having available leave balances."

The doctors have alleged that despite multiple representations made to KNRUHS and DME Telangana, no solution has been provided in this regard.

Now, the association has raised the issue before the Chairperson of the State and National Commission for Women, and demanded that the University must establish and disseminate clear guidelines regarding maternity leave, rejoining procedures, and related processes to all colleges and students.

They have also demanded that the Rs 15,000 fee collected from female postgraduates on maternity leave must be waived immediately and the postgraduates should receive their stipends regularly during the extension period to prevent financial distress.

Apart from this, TSRDA has stressed that casual leaves should be allowed to female PG students during the extension of maternity leave period. They must be allowed to take casual leaves during their extension period, especially in emergencies or medical issues related to maternal or child held. Further, they demanded the immediate release of all pending stipends to alleviate financial hardships and ensure the well-being of Maternal and child health during the critical phase.

Also Read: Doctors Criticise J&K Government for Making Maternity, Paternity Leave Unpaid