Low Pay, Poor Infrastructure Blamed for Mass Exodus from Government Service
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has cancelled over 500 Medical Officer (Group-A) appointments after the selected specialists failed to complete the mandatory document verification and join their posts. The vacancies, which included gynaecologists, paediatricians, anaesthetists, and other specialists, were meant to strengthen public healthcare services, especially in rural areas.
Despite receiving appointment orders on June 20, 2024, the doctors did not report for duty within the required timeframe. Officials believe many opted for private practice or out-of-state opportunities instead. The government now plans to fill the vacancies from the waiting list to prevent disruptions in public healthcare services.
Doctors Reject Government Posts Due to Poor Pay and Conditions
The mass rejection of government jobs highlights deep-rooted issues in Maharashtra’s healthcare system. Many doctors cite:
- Heavy workload and lack of infrastructure in public hospitals.
- Lower salaries compared to private hospitals, where specialists earn an average of ₹1.53 lakh per month, significantly higher than government pay.
- Delays in the recruitment process, which cause candidates to seek other jobs before appointment letters arrive.
“Many selected doctors hesitate to join due to the heavy workload, inadequate infrastructure, and lower pay,” said a senior health department official.
Medical associations argue that poor working conditions make it difficult for specialists to provide quality care. “Without essential equipment and support staff, how can we work effectively?” asked a doctor who declined his appointment.
Maharashtra’s Worsening Healthcare Crisis
Maharashtra has long faced a shortage of specialists, particularly in rural and tribal areas. A 2021 survey by Jan Arogya Abhiyan found that:
- 22 out of 38 rural hospitals stopped performing Caesarean sections due to a lack of specialists.
- Routine surgeries were unavailable in 17 districts due to staff shortages.
- In 2022, state-run medical colleges reported a 46.68% vacancy rate for senior doctors, increasing workloads and delaying treatments.
“Without specialists, rural hospitals turn into referral centres, forcing patients to travel long distances for care,” said Dr Abhay Shukla, a public health expert.
The state government’s failure to offer competitive salaries and better incentives is exacerbating the crisis. Public health experts stress that unless systemic issues are addressed, vacancies will persist, leaving millions without access to essential healthcare.
On February 5, 2025, the Maharashtra health department issued Order MVAi-2024/Pr. No. 382/Service-3, cancelling over 400 appointments. Two additional orders earlier this month revoked another 60 appointments for the same reason.
To retain skilled doctors, urgent reforms in salary structures, incentives, and hospital infrastructure are necessary, experts warn.
