The Himachal Pradesh government has announced that doctors enrolled in Post Graduate (PG) courses will be considered “on duty” and will receive their full salaries, a spokesperson of the state government said on Friday, reports PTI.
This decision comes after previous cabinet guidelines that had reduced salaries to just 40% for those on study leave.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed that doctors pursuing PG studies, senior Residency (SRship), or DM-level programs be exempt from the study leave provisions, allowing them to maintain their full compensation while advancing their education.
“Postgraduate medical students in Himachal Pradesh will now receive their full salaries while they pursue their courses. These dedicated doctors manage both patient care and educational commitments, which are essential for their professional development and the overall healthcare system of our state,” Sukhu said.
The government’s move aims to support the commitment of these medical professionals, ultimately enhancing the quality of training and the healthcare services available to the public. This initiative is expected to lead to improved patient outcomes and contribute to a stronger healthcare infrastructure across the state.
This decision follows a recent meeting between the Chief Minister and a delegation of medical officers who raised concerns about the previous salary reduction.
Dr. Rajesh, President of the Himachal Medical Officers’ Association, said that this new provision addresses a major concern for doctors, as the prior salary cut was discouraging for those seeking further qualifications.