A.P. Govt. gives boost to rural doctors

By S. Nagesh Kumar

HYDERABAD, NOV. 16. A substantial hike in pay and allowances to the Government doctors (an order to this effect was issued earlier this month) has partly redressed the long-standing grievances of the doctors but an increase in the duty hours has left those working in the teaching hospitals seething with anger. However, rural doctors have much to cheer about following the decision to reward those working in primary and community health centres with a monthly incentive of Rs. 1,000 and those in tribal areas with a monthly incentive of Rs. 2,000. Lady doctors will be given an additional Rs. 500.

The new package, effective from November 1, for the 9,000-odd Government doctors, spelt out in GOMs. 411 and issued on November 5, will cost the Government Rs. 13 crores but the entire amount will be generated from the Department of Health, Medical & Family Welfare. This revision will ensure near-parity in the basic pay of Civil Assistant Surgeons (Rs. 7,900 against Rs. 6950 earlier) in the State Government with their counterparts at the Centre (Rs. 8,000).

However, the 40 per cent DA allowance and 25 per cent non- practice pay (NPP) and other perks to the latter will make a world of difference in their respective pay packets. ``The total pay of a Central Government doctor will still be nearly 90 per cent more than ours``, said Dr. K. Venkataiah, Treasurer, A. P. Government Doctors' Association (APGDA).

The Association is not too pleased with the Government Order because it has addressed itself to the question of wages and working hours alone notwithstanding several other crucial recommendations of the 14-member Task Force Committee. (The recommendations were accepted by a Cabinet Sub-Committee, headed by the Home Minister, Mr. T. Devender Goud.) It described the GO as `a sleight of hand.'

For instance, the increase in timings from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. was suggested by the Task Force in conjunction with the residency system as in NIMS.

This will not significantly affect those doctors teaching non- clinical subjects and those working in PHCs as they are already working from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. but will affect those doctors on the clinical side who will have to work for 54 hours as against 44 hours now. Already, Professors of the Osmania Medical College are reported to be seething with anger.

The APGDA is of the firm view that working hours cannot be increased without introducing residency system in which post- graduates and senior residents share the burden of night duties. ``The Government expects us to work for 10 hours more every week for hiking our wages by Rs. 1,000. This is unfair,'' said a doctor.

Earlier, the Government issued orders in August revising the non- private practice allowance (NPPA) to Rs. 500 for Civil Assistant Surgeon, Rs. 600 for Deputy Civil Surgeon and Rs. 750 for Civil Surgeons, who had been appointed before July 1987.

However, this G.O. failed to mention the date from when it should be implemented.

Several such anomalies led the APGDA to fight with the Government since 1991 when the IV Pay Revision Commission gave its recommendations.

Finally, these issues were referred to the Task Force Committee, headed by Prof. G. Sham Sunder, Vice-Chancellor, NTR University of Health Sciences, which made far- reaching recommendations to improve health services.

One of them was creation of a separate teaching cadre and non- practice pay at the rate of 25 per cent of basic pay.

It was not accepted but another recommendation for compulsory rural service before admission to PG course was accepted by the Government only to hurriedly withdraw the same when the A. P. Junior Doctors Association (APJUDA) launched a strike.

The APGDA has called a meeting of the central executive and general council on December 8 to chalk out its future course of action.

Revised pay scales:The revised pay scales for Government doctors are as follows: Civil Asst. Surgeon: Rs. 7900-250-8400-300-9900- 350-11650-450-13900-525- 15475, Dy. Civil Surgeon Rs. 9600-300- 9900-350-11650-450-13900- 525-16525, Civil Surgeon Rs. 11650-450- 13900-525-18625, Spl. Grade Civil Surgeon Rs. 12550-450-13900-525-18625, Regional Director of Health Services/ Addl. Director of Medical Education, Principals of Dental Colleges Rs. 13450-450-13900-525-19150 and Directors Rs.15475-525-19675. The same scales of pay will be extended to doctors working in Insutance medical services.

In addition, academic allowance ranging from Rs. 300 to Rs. 800 a month will be paid to doctors in each of these categories and a special pay of Rs. 400 a month to Professors working in non- clinical departments.

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Section  : Southern States
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