Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept.19: Allopathic doctors working on contract under the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) and National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) have sought an enhanced salary package and additional service benefits, including annual increments and Hard Area Allowance, during a meeting with the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health).
The delegation, accompanied by the Member of Parliament, met the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health) in the presence of the Director of Health Services and submitted a representation outlining their grievances. The doctors sought benefits at par with those available to regular General Duty Medical Officers (GDMOs) under the DHS.
Among their demands were an annual increment, Hard Area Allowance, travel allowance and other admissible benefits, in addition to an improvement in their existing remuneration. The doctors placed their concerns before the Administration in the context of the responsibilities they discharge as contract and NRHM medical personnel.
During the meeting, the delegation also explained the difficulties faced by doctors engaged under contractual and NRHM arrangements. They requested the Administration to take appropriate measures to improve their remuneration and service-related benefits in view of their duties and responsibilities.
The Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health) assured the delegation that the matter would be examined and that steps would be taken to consider the grievances raised by the doctors.
The Commissioner also indicated that suitable provisions would be considered in the budget while examining the matter.
The doctors expressed satisfaction with the response and thanked the Member of Parliament for taking up their concerns with the Administration.
The meeting places the issue of remuneration and service benefits for contract and NRHM doctors before the Health Administration, with the doctors seeking parity with regular GDMO doctors on specified benefits and an enhanced salary package.
The delegation’s demands will now be examined by the Administration as it considers the grievances and possible budgetary provisions.
