Doctor Reappointed Within 17 Days as ‘Honorary Assistant Without Pay’; Questions Raised Over Financial and Clinical Accountability
In a controversial administrative move in Mumbai, an ayurvedic doctor has been reinstated within just 17 days at Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Trauma Care Municipal Hospital. The doctor has been appointed as an “Honorary Assistant without remuneration” in a newly created Ayurvedic Department that reportedly did not exist earlier.
Swift Reinstatement After Appeal to Deputy Mayor
The doctor, identified as Dr Nidhi Nilesh Patil, had earlier been removed from her position as House Officer in the Neurosurgery Department. Following her representation citing mental stress and financial hardship, the civic administration acted swiftly.
She submitted her appeal on March 23, and within two days, the proposal was approved by the Additional Municipal Commissioner. The file moved through administrative channels by April 1, was formally signed on April 7, and acknowledged by the doctor on April 8.
Salary Discrepancy Raises Accountability Questions
Dr Patil’s previous role carried a sanctioned monthly salary of ₹80,757. However, she has alleged that she received only ₹9,000 per month, leaving a significant unpaid amount of over ₹71,000.
Reports suggest that her appointment order included a clause stating that the stipend “may not be paid for the entire tenure due to administrative technicalities,” raising serious concerns over financial transparency and oversight within the system.
New Role Without Pay, Department Under Scrutiny
The reinstatement as an unpaid “Honorary Assistant” has also sparked debate, particularly because the Ayurvedic Department at the hospital was reportedly not operational earlier.
Officials have clarified that the engagement is temporary and aimed at ensuring continuity of services amid staff shortages. The doctor herself has defended the move, stating that the department had prior approval and her role was within the system framework.
Concerns Over Clinical Responsibility and Patient Safety
The order has drawn criticism for lacking a clear indemnity clause or formal undertaking regarding liability in case of patient harm. While a ₹500 stamp paper service bond is mentioned, it reportedly covers only service conditions and not clinical accountability.
This is particularly concerning as the hospital handles critical polytrauma cases, where strict clinical governance is essential.
Officials Cite Staff Shortage, Stopgap Arrangement
A senior official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation acknowledged internal reservations but stated that the decision was taken as a stopgap arrangement to avoid disruption in patient care.
Another official supported the move, citing a prolonged vacancy and lack of qualified candidates. It was also noted that Dr Patil holds valid council registration and that demand for Ayurvedic services has been increasing.
Governance and Oversight in Focus
The episode has brought renewed attention to administrative practices in public healthcare institutions, especially regarding recruitment, salary disbursement, and accountability mechanisms.
While authorities maintain that the decision was made in the interest of uninterrupted healthcare delivery, the case raises broader questions about transparency, regulatory compliance, and patient safety in municipal hospitals.
