Almost 507 contract doctors who are under the health and family welfare department and had planned to resign on 1st July 1 have delayed their mass resignation to 8th July if their demands were not met. They stated they want to give the government some more time to regularize their services and would halt their work if their demands are not met. They also said that their services are not regularized although service rules have been notified in 2002.

The Karnataka Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Services Special Rules stated that after three years of rural areas service, doctors who are appointed on contract basis shall be absorbed by the health department. Belagavi primary health centre and member of the Karnataka Government Medical Officers’ Association, Dr Ramkrishna, said that it has been two weeks already and no progress seen yet. The services of few doctors had not been regularized for almost 7 years.

He further said that they can join private hospitals and get paid salary of Rs 1 lakh but they want to serve in rural areas. They have send a circular to all DHOs and DCs, stating that if there was no progress, then they will not continue work. They are frontline staffs during COVID times, and still are not regularized.

The contract doctors also stated that B Sriramulu, Minister for Health had guaranteed them that he would discuss this matter at the cabinet meeting and would get their demands approved, but, nothing has happened till now and they are now prepared to give resignation

Source: The New Indian Express