Mumbai: Resident doctors across the state will now have to wait for the next three months to get their stipend, as the state government and the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) have cited the enforcement of the ‘model code of conduct’ as an excuse to not clear their dues.
This comes even as the Central Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has written to the state government on March 23, threatening a strike over the issue of unpaid stipend.
Dr Kalyani Dongre, president of Central MARD and a resident doctor from Nair Hospital, said, “When we approached the DMER, they said a hike could only be discussed after elections and funds for the stipend would be sanctioned only after elections. The state government is testing our patience and taking us for granted. We are not beggars, we are demanding for what is ours, what we deserve and what is promised,” said Dr Dongre.
Dr Tatyarao Lahane, director, DMER said, they were aware that some resident doctors had not yet received their stipend and that some residents have been promoted. “We have submitted a supplementary budget to the state government. This budget will be taken up in June. Then we will process the dues of the doctors,” said Dr Lahane.
Earlier in January, when resident doctors met officials from the ministry of medical education, they were assured of letters about a hike in their stipend. But even the letter is still forthcoming.
Resident doctors from the King Edward Memorial Hospital said when they approach the administration, asking to be paid, authorities say the college has no funds from which to pay them.
“We have written a letter to the government to draw their attention to the issue. But they have paid no heed to our demands. For the last six months, we have not received our stipend, due to which many of us are facing a financial crisis,” said doctors.
