Doctors of Kasturba Gandhi Hospital threaten mass-resignation over unpaid salaries
What's the story
At Kasturba Gandhi Hospital, which is run by New Delhi Municipal Council, resident doctors haven't been paid salaries since March. After their pleas didn't move the authorities, the doctors threatened to resign en masse. They understand now isn't the time for a strike, considering India is battling coronavirus. Hence, quitting their jobs seemed the only way to get themselves heard.
Letter
Sans salaries, doctors are risking their lives, battling coronavirus
The Resident Doctors' Association of the 450-bedded hospital wrote a letter to Additional MS on Wednesday saying if salaries aren't released by June 16, they will resign. "All the residents are working in this COVID-19 situation continuously, putting their and their families' lives in danger," the letter, signed by RDA President Dr. Sunil Kumar, reminded. He pointed out doctors have liabilities too.
Quote
Doctors are struggling to pay rent, buy essentials
"We are not being paid salaries, making us unable to pay our house rent, huge travel expenses, and to buy essential commodities. Being the frontline healthcare workers, we should be paid our salaries. It is the only thing we are demanding, nothing more," Kumar said.
Problem
In fact, doctors are rarely given salaries on time
Kumar pointed out this is a recurring problem. The doctors are rarely paid salaries on a regular basis. "After every two-three months, a similar situation arises," he lamented. Referring to the massive exercise India undertook on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to clap for the "corona warriors," Kumar asked if this was really the only way to respect doctors who are working tirelessly.
Response
Subsequently, civic body blamed lockdown for lack of funds
North Corporation's Standing Committee Chairperson, Jai Prakash, said the civic body was trying to persuade the doctors and assured efforts were underway to release salaries at the earliest. "We are facing a fund crunch and due to the lockdown, our income was further curtailed. We have asked the Delhi government to release funds so that their salaries can be paid," he said.
Hindu Rao Hospital
Similar problems were flagged by doctors of Hindu Rao Hospital
Sadly, Kasturba Gandhi Hospital isn't the only facility where frontline doctors are suffering. The resident doctors at Hindu Rao Hospital are also riding the same boat. They were last paid salaries on February 15. "We have been mentioning it as a key point in every letter but we feel our voices are unheard, rather they are dismissed with acrimony and irrational reasons," the doctors said.