Hry to relieve its 116 docs on Sept 30

Hry to relieve its 116 docs on Sept 30

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chandigarh:07.09.2021

In a major setback to Haryana’s preparedness for the anticipated third wave of Covid-19, the state health department has decided to do away with the services of 116 medicos from September 30. The decision has been taken consequent to the health department’s new guideline of bringing down the age of superannuation of Haryana Civil Medical Services (HCMS) doctors to 58 with immediate effect.

Till now, doctors who attained the age of 58 were given an extension of service, as consultants, in the health department with same service benefits.

With this new circular released by health department on Friday, doctors, once they attain the age of superannuation, would be re-employed only after they are officially relieved and after filling an online proforma.

The HCMS association has decided to take up the issue with state home minister Anil Vij. “This system of automatic extension is prevalent even at the Centre... Imagine the plight of those on extension who did not even apply for the retirement benefits due to automatic extension. It is well known that only those in need of job opt for extension, else they would have resigned after a particular period,” said Dr Jasbir Singh Panwar, president of HCMSA. Service rules stipulate that either party serves a notice of three months ahead of relieving or resigning from the job. But, in this case all 116 doctors will be relieved on September 30, he added.

When contacted, Vij cited the change of rules but claimed that all those on extension will have the job security. “What we have done is that instead of giving one-time extension, it (extension) will be given every year. Besides, they will be deployed at places where their services are really needed. Now, most of the consultants want Panchkula or choice postings, which is not possible. Hence postings will be done on basis of requirement,” he said.

Panwar claimed that most of the doctors who will be relieved are specialists and have undergone training for the third wave. He also rued delay on the part of government for creation of sub cadre of specialist and other demands. “Even though the chief minister and the home minister have given a go ahead, the files have been lying with the administrative secretaries for the past year and half,” he added.

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