Relief for doctors, will now get full salary while on study leave

The state government has decided to exclude doctors pursuing postgraduation courses, senior residency or DM from the purview of study leave so that they get full salary instead of 40 per cent of the salary, as per an earlier decision of the Cabinet.

The decision has been taken on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s directives. “Postgraduate medical students in Himachal will now receive the full salary while on study leave to pursue courses, as they bear patient care responsibilities with their educational commitments, which is vital for both their professional growth and the state’s healthcare system,” Sukhu said.

Earlier, a Cabinet decision had reduced the salary to 40 per cent for those on study leave, which adversely affected doctors opting for further studies. Now, doctors pursuing postgraduate courses will receive their full salary and would be considered on duty while on study leave.

The Chief Minister said that the decision had been taken in the interest of the patients and to foster a more robust healthcare system, ultimately benefiting communities throughout Himachal Pradesh.

This decision follows a recent meeting between a delegation of the medical officers and the Chief Minister to address the issue. Sukhu had assured the officers of swift action and instructed the Health Department to resolve the matter. The state government had approved full salary for doctors pursuing postgraduate courses, he added.

The Himachal Medical Officers’ Association thanked the state government for providing full salaries to doctors pursuing postgraduate courses. Association president Dr Rajesh said, “This addresses a major concern of doctors as the previous provision of 40 per cent of salary was discouraging. The Chief Minister’s swift and empathetic solution has significantly boosted our morale. We extend our sincere gratitude to him for recognising and addressing the issue,” he added.