Low salaries, Excessive workload- 12 doctors resign from SMIMER Hospital

Surat: In a major setback to the public healthcare system in Surat, twelve doctors have resigned from the Surat Municipal Corporation-run SMIMER (Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research) Hospital within just a few days.

According to the news reports, six doctors tendered their resignations earlier this week, followed by another six resigning just two days later. These resignations have already been accepted by the standing committee.

Also Read: Kerala: Cardiologist resigns from Pariyaram Government Medical College

According to preliminary information, doctors are turning to the private sector, fed up with low salaries, inadequate equipment, and excessive workload. The more attractive salaries and facilities available in private hospitals are attracting doctors. In the past, too, many doctors have left the SMI and migrated to the private sector, which shows that this problem is not new, reports Abtak Media.

SMIMER, which serves nearly 3,000 patients each day, is already feeling the impact of the sudden departure of numerous healthcare professionals. Patients are reportedly experiencing longer wait times, reduced access to specialists, and declining quality of care. For many residents who depend solely on affordable government healthcare, this breakdown could have severe consequences.

The matter has reached the Standing Committee of the Municipal Corporation, and proposals concerning the recent resignations have been formally placed before city officials.

According to News 18 Gujarat, this incident is being considered a warning to the Gujarat Health Department and the SMIMER administration. It is necessary to investigate the root causes of the resignation of doctors and take immediate steps to resolve them. Recruitment of staff, improvement in wages, and improvement of working conditions are necessary to maintain the quality of health services. This incident shows the urgent need for reforms in the health sector.

Also Read: SMIMER Doctors directed to Prescribe Generic Medicines

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that in a move aimed at reducing the financial burden on patients, doctors at the Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research (SMIMER) have been directed to prioritise prescribing generic medicines whenever possible. Branded drugs are to be recommended only in rare and justifiable cases.