➡ Doctors Left in Limbo After Completing Postgraduate Training
Jaipur: More than 350 in-service specialist doctors in Rajasthan, who completed their postgraduate medical education earlier this year under the in-service quota, are still awaiting formal postings. These doctors, placed on “deputation” by the State Health Department, have not received salaries for the past three months.
➡ No Salary During APO Period
The doctors, who were granted study leave during their PG courses, remain in an “Awaiting Posting Order” (APO) status. This has resulted in financial hardship as their salaries have been withheld. In several cases, the APO period stretches over four to five months, with doctors needing to visit multiple government offices later to claim dues, according to the United Doctors Front (UDF), Rajasthan.
➡ UDF Raises the Alarm, But No Concrete Action Yet
Highlighting the issue, UDF Rajasthan recently wrote to the State Medical and Health Department and has held multiple meetings with the Health Minister, Principal Secretary, and other officials. “There has been no concrete response or resolution so far,” said Dr. Bharat Pareek, President of UDF Rajasthan.
➡ Career Setbacks for Specialists
Many of these doctors have been selected for Senior Residency positions but are unable to join due to the absence of formal posting orders. The delay is hampering their career progress at a critical stage and creating a backlog in hospital manpower, especially during current healthcare challenges.
➡ Growing Health Crisis Needs Immediate Manpower
With the number of patients surging due to the heatwave and potential rise in COVID-19 cases, the association emphasized the urgent need for deploying these qualified specialists. “Timely postings would bolster the state’s ability to respond to ongoing public health challenges,” read the letter sent to the Health Department.
➡ UDF Demands Swift Government Action
UDF has called upon the Government to immediately:
- Issue formal postings to all PG 2021 batch in-service doctors
- Release pending salaries for the APO period
- Ensure a transparent and timely process going forward
➡ A Plea for Justice and Dignity
Dr. Pareek urged, “These delays are not just administrative lapses—they’re impacting lives, livelihoods, and the very backbone of our healthcare system. The government must take swift action to ensure justice and dignity for our healthcare professionals.”
