Contract-Based Specialists Raise Concerns Over Five-Year Salary Freeze
Mumbai: Around 180 super-speciality doctors working in municipal peripheral hospitals in Mumbai have not received a single salary increment in the past five years. Appointed as DNB Teachers’ Grade 1 and 2, these doctors have been serving on a contractual basis since April 2021 at a fixed monthly salary of ₹2 lakh. Their contracts are renewed every six months after a mandatory one-day break.
These specialists were selected in 2020 and appointed across civic-run hospitals under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Despite handling heavy clinical workloads along with academic and teaching responsibilities, they continue to work without any pay revision or long-term employment security.
Demand for Regularisation and Fair Service Conditions
The doctors are now demanding regularisation into full-time permanent posts. They have cited the relief granted to thousands of Class 4 workers last year following a Supreme Court order, arguing that similar consideration should be extended to highly trained super-specialists serving in public hospitals.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, Dr Rajesh More, senior consultant in general surgery at Shatabdi Hospital, highlighted the issue. He has been associated with the hospital since 2013 in an honorary capacity before being appointed on contract in 2021. “In a year, we are allowed only 14 days of leave and have not received any increment,” he stated.
Rising Patient Load and Academic Responsibilities
Over the past five years, civic hospitals in Mumbai have seen a sharp rise in patient footfall and surgical workload. The consultant doctors are not only responsible for delivering super-speciality care but are also actively involved in running DNB courses and mentoring postgraduate medical students.
The growing service demand, coupled with teaching and administrative duties, has increased the burden on these contract-based specialists. Despite their expanded roles, their employment terms have remained unchanged since their initial appointment.
Political Intervention and Administrative Response
In November 2025, former Rajya Sabha member Kumar Ketkar wrote to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, urging the civic administration to address the doctors’ concerns with compassion. He emphasized that ensuring stability for these specialists is essential for maintaining quality healthcare services for nearly two crore residents of Mumbai.
Last week, a delegation of the affected doctors met Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Public Health) Sharad Ughade to present their grievances. According to Dr More, the official listened to their concerns and offered a positive assurance. The issue has once again spotlighted the continued reliance on contractual appointments for highly qualified specialists in public hospitals, despite their growing responsibilities and long years of service.
