Mangaluru: A contractual doctor at Kollamogru Public Health Centre in Dakshina Kannada district has resigned after going without salary for six months, citing severe financial distress and inability to support his family.
Resignation Letter Highlights Hardship
According to reports, Dr Kuldeep clearly stated in his resignation letter that the prolonged non-payment had made it impossible for him to sustain himself. He said the situation forced him to take the difficult decision of stepping away from public service despite his commitment to patient care.
Issue Affects Multiple Doctors
The doctor pointed out that more than half a dozen contractual doctors in the district have not received salaries for several months due to lack of budget under a specific account head through which payments are made. He said he had raised the issue with the District Health Officer months ago and was assured resolution, but the problem remained unaddressed.
From Delays to Complete Non-Payment
After completing his MBBS, Dr Kuldeep joined Kollamogru PHC about two and a half years ago. Initially, salaries were credited on time, but delays of one to three months gradually became common. He said he managed somehow earlier, but six consecutive months without pay exhausted his savings.
Impact on Family Responsibilities
The salary delay severely affected his family, who are dependent on him. His father is undergoing dialysis, adding to the financial strain. Speaking to the media, the doctor said that even short delays are difficult, and prolonged non-payment creates unbearable pressure.
Assurance from Health Authorities
After his resignation, the District Health Officer reportedly requested him to reconsider and assured that pending salaries would soon be released. However, the doctor declined, expressing concern over repeated delays and lack of job security for contractual staff.
Workload and Daily Challenges
Kollamogru PHC caters to a population of over ten thousand. The doctor worked full-time and earned a fixed monthly salary. He also travelled long distances daily to report for duty and was often asked to cover neighbouring PHCs when doctors were unavailable. He clarified that his resignation was not due to work pressure but solely because of unpaid salary.
Administration Responds to Salary Issue
Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat officials confirmed that salaries of several contractual doctors were delayed due to non-release of funds under the concerned account head. They said steps are being taken to clear the pending payments, even as the incident highlights the growing crisis faced by contractual doctors in the public health system.
