Hyderabad: Resident doctors in Telangana have raised multiple concerns, including delayed stipend disbursement, lack of a stipend hike, and irregular salary payments for contractual staff, urging the state government for immediate action. These issues were highlighted during a recent meeting between the Telangana Junior Doctors Association (T-JUDA) and State Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha.
Long-Standing Issues Persist
The delayed stipend payments, which have reportedly persisted for several months, are among the key grievances. In addition to this, the junior doctors demanded:
- Stipend hikes for both resident doctors and Super Specialty Senior Residents.
- Tax exemption for stipends.
- Timely disbursement of scholarship reimbursements for undergraduate students.
- Regular and on-time salaries for contractual teaching staff in medical colleges.
Indefinite Strike in 2024
This is not the first time doctors have raised these concerns. Back in June 2024, T-JUDA initiated an indefinite strike, with over 7,000 junior doctors from 20 medical colleges across the state boycotting outpatient services, elective procedures, and ward duties. The protests took place at institutions such as Osmania Medical College, Gandhi Medical College, and others, calling for measures like a green channel to ensure timely stipend disbursement.
Health Minister’s Assurances
During the recent meeting, the Health Minister acknowledged the doctors’ grievances and provided several assurances:
- Immediate action to address the delay in stipend disbursements despite existing government orders.
- Forwarding the representation for a stipend hike to the Health Secretary for further consideration.
- Exploring tax exemptions for stipends.
- Investigating and resolving the irregular disbursement of scholarship amounts for undergraduates.
- Prompt resolution of salary delays for contractual Assistant and Associate Professors.
Junior Doctors Await Action
While the Health Minister has promised swift action, T-JUDA continues to emphasize the urgency of these issues, particularly the financial hardships faced by junior doctors and contractual staff due to delayed payments.
The situation underscores the need for systemic reforms in stipend disbursement and salary structures to prevent such issues from recurring and ensure the welfare of healthcare professionals.
