Amid COVID-19 pandemic, Punjab doctors appeal for incentives

Karam Prakash
Tribune News Service
Patiala, April 12

Amid coronavirus pandemic, the frontline warriors, doctors, demanded incentives for risking their lives in the fight against the COVID -19, here on Sunday.

The state doctors have already appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to exempt them from income tax for this financial year countrywide.

Punjab State Medical & Dental Teachers Association (PSMDTA) requested Union Finance Minister Sitharaman to totally exempt the government doctors from payment of income tax for the current financial year throughout the country to boost their morale in fighting the corona pandemic.

Dr Mridu Gupta, president, PSMDTA, said presently the government doctors were heavily burdened with income tax with loss of almost their three month salary as income tax.

The doctors association said that neighbouring Haryana Government had already decided to double the salary of all medical staff involved in the fight against corona.

The association has appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to pursue the matter personally with Central government.

Keeping in view the looming pandemic, Dr DS Bhullar, general secretary, PSMDTA, said the government should announce incentives to the doctors involved in corona related duties.

He said, “The best option is to give full insurance coverage to the government doctors and other paramedical staff. The state government should also ensure full protection to the doctors on duty—keeping in view the reported incidents of assault on doctors.”

Doctors donate to Punjab Chief Minister Covid-19 Relief Fund

It is pertinent to mention that faculty in medical and dental colleges—under state government—would contribute, at least, their one day salary to Punjab Chief Minister Covid-19 Relief Fund to supplement the state government efforts fighting the corona pandemic.