Hyderabad: Telangana Public Health Doctors Association representatives meet Health Minister T Harish Rao

Hyderabad : The Telangana Public Health Doctors Association (TPHDA) representatives met Health Minister T Harish Rao on Sunday, emphasising the urgency of resolving their longstanding issues. TPHDA State President Kathi Janardhan brought several concerns pertaining to doctors and medical staff to the attention of the Health Minister.

Among the primary issues highlighted by the doctors were the allocation of newly created posts of District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) based on seniority, granting promotions to Civil Surgeons. Further, they urged for the sanctioning of positions for all doctors working in public health and family welfare, including CAS cadre, DCS, and CS cadres. It was also stressed that career advancement opportunities and promotions should be provided to public health doctors, along with the implementation of public health management cadres and mobility support for doctors. Additionally, a protocol for doctors in official meetings was deemed necessary.

Janardhan further underscored the need to allocate a salary of Rs 52,000 to MBBS doctors serving in rural hospitals. Addressing major concerns related to medical personnel, the representatives advocated for prioritising non-regular medical staff working on contracts in regular recruitments, similar to doctor appointments. They called for the release of pending arrears for second Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and equal pay for equal work for all medical staff, in accordance with the Supreme Court judgment. Further, job security akin to regular employees was sought for medical staff employed on a contract or outsourcing basis, and compassionate appointments were requested for the families of retired contract/outsourcing staff.

The Association members also urged the implementation of an employee health scheme for all contract/outsourcing staff, mirroring the benefits provided to regular employees.