Contract doctors in Telangana raise alarm over delay in extensions, salary arrears
The doctors reached out to Health Secretary Christina Z. Chongthu recently appealing for the urgent release of a Government Order (G.O.) to extend their contracts by another year (from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026). The representation cited that their earlier recruitment was under G.O. Ms. No. 98, dated March 11, 2024, and underscored that without a fresh extension order, even salary disbursement has been stalled.
'Despite our contract lapsing on March 31, we have been fulfilling our duties since April 1 without pay. This month marks the third month without salaries. Our employment status is hanging in limbo,' said one of the contract doctors, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The issue affects not only approximately 500 contract professors and assistant professors across Telangana but also around 1,100 senior residents who recently joined after completing their post-graduation. Their salaries too are linked to the same pending approval, making the financial uncertainty widespread.
Frustrated by the administrative delay, the doctors say the responsibility to follow up on these files is being pushed around. 'The Director of Medical Education (DME) says they have sent the file to the Health Secretary, but no one is giving us clear answers,' added another doctor.
The doctor further added that the file should have been sent by January to ensure the budget was allocated in time but it was sent after March, which means unless a revised G.O. is issued soon, we cannot be paid for April, May, or June,' the doctor added.
The doctors warn that if no action is taken, many may quit government service due to uncertainty and lack of payment. 'There is a real danger of the system collapsing. These doctors are the backbone of healthcare and medical education in government hospitals across Telangana. If they walk away, there will be no one left to teach or treat,' another doctor warned.
Beyond contract extensions, the doctors also highlighted the lack of regular calendar year recruitment by the Health Department.
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