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The All India Democratic Students Organisation (AIDSO) has strongly condemned the decision of the State government to cut down salaries of doctors serving in rural areas. As per a recent notification, the salary of National Health Mission (NHM) doctors has been reduced from ₹75,000 to ₹60,000 and that of Health and Family Welfare Services (HFWS) doctors from ₹62,666 to ₹60,000. AIDSO has in a press release said that the decision taken after the completion of the counselling and posting process is unjust and demoralising for young doctors who opted to serve in rural areas in consideration of the pay structure announced earlier. At a time when rural areas in the State are facing a severe shortage of medical professionals and healthcare infrastructure, such a move will further weaken the rural health system. This move will also discourage medical graduates from taking up rural service, the release said. Instead of appreciating their commitment, the State government is in a way penalising those serving in the most challenging conditions. AIDSO will urge the State government to immediately withdraw the order and revert to the earlier pay structure, the release said.
