In a significant move to support healthcare professionals, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a salary hike for junior doctors working in state-run hospitals. The increase, ranging from a minimum of ₹10,000 to a maximum of ₹15,000 per month, will benefit interns, house staff, postgraduate trainees, and post-doctoral trainees. The announcement was made during a medical conference held at Dhana Dhanya Auditorium in Alipore, Kolkata. This decision aims to improve the financial condition of junior doctors and boost their morale. Let’s delve into the details of this announcement and its implications.
Salary Hike Announcement: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the salaries of junior doctors at all levels in state-run hospitals will be increased. The hike will range from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per month, depending on the position and qualifications of the doctors.
- Senior Resident Doctors: The salary of senior resident doctors will be increased by ₹15,000 per month. This includes diploma-holding senior residents, postgraduate senior residents, and post-doctoral senior residents.
- Diploma-holding senior residents, who currently earn ₹65,000 per month, will now receive ₹80,000.
- Postgraduate senior residents, who earn ₹70,000 per month, will now receive ₹85,000.
- Post-doctoral senior residents, who earn ₹75,000 per month, will now receive ₹1,00,000.
- Interns and Trainees: The salaries of interns, house staff, postgraduate trainees, and post-doctoral trainees will be increased by ₹10,000 per month.
Relaxation in Private Practice Rules: Doctors working in state-run hospitals are allowed to practice privately under specific conditions. Previously, they could only practice within a 20-kilometer radius of their government hospital. Chief Minister Banerjee announced that this limit has been extended to 30 kilometers. However, she also cautioned doctors to ensure that their duties at government hospitals are not compromised due to private practice.
Objective of the Salary Hike: The salary hike aims to address the financial challenges faced by junior doctors and motivate them to deliver better healthcare services. By improving their financial condition, the government hopes to boost the morale of healthcare professionals and ensure quality medical care for patients.
Reactions from the Medical Community: The announcement has been welcomed by junior doctors across the state. They expressed gratitude for the government’s decision, stating that it would significantly improve their financial stability and encourage them to work with greater dedication.
Other Initiatives by the West Bengal Government: The West Bengal government has consistently taken steps to support healthcare professionals. In addition to the salary hike, the government has introduced various schemes to provide housing, medical facilities, and other financial benefits to doctors. This latest announcement is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the healthcare system in the state.
Leave a Reply