Himachal doctors to wear black badges from Jan 18 over denial of NPA

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Shimla, January 14

From January 18, doctors will report for work wearing black badges to protest the denial of non-practising allowance (NPA) to specialist doctors appointed last year. The association claims that specialist doctors, while on contract, are getting a salary of Rs 33,660. “It’s the lowest salary that any specialist doctor is getting anywhere in the country. It’s really discouraging for the medical fraternity,” said Dr Vikas Thakur, secretary, Himachal Medical Officers Association.

The association further alleged that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had promised them in June that the NPA would be restored as and when appointments would be made in future.

“Unfortunately, this was not followed while the appointment of specialists was made,” said Dr Thakur.

The association further says that the CM had assured them in June that the post of Project Director in the AIDS Control Society would be returned to the department, but it hasn’t been done yet. The association further said that no promotion had been granted at BMO and deputy director-level in the last one and half year.

“These promotions should be considered immediately so that vacancies open up for unemployed youth. Also, we are against re-employment as it keeps youth waiting for jobs,” said Thakur.

CM failed to fulfil promise, alleges Assn

• The Himachal Medical Officers Association alleged that the CM had promised them in June last year that the non-practising allowance would be restored as and when appointment of specialist doctors would be made
• Though recruitments have been done, allowance has not been restored. They said specialist doctors, while on contract, were getting a meagre salary