Hike in monthly stipend for doctors announced

The state government has raised the monthly stipends for senior residents, specialists, and super specialists by 50 to 170 per cent. The stipend for senior residents and tutor specialists has been increased from Rs 60,000–65,000 to Rs 1 lakh, while for super specialists and senior residents (super specialists), it has been enhanced from Rs 60,000–65,000 to Rs 1.30 lakh.

According to a government spokesperson, out of the 751 sanctioned posts across the state’s medical colleges, only 375 are currently filled, while 376 specialist doctor’s posts are vacant. “The enhanced stipend is expected to make government service more attractive to skilled medical professionals, helping bridge this critical gap and strengthening healthcare services at all levels,” he said.

In another move to attract the medical specialists to the state, doctors on study leave will receive full pay, further supporting their professional development. Additionally, the state is working to implement international standards for the doctor-nurse-patient ratio and is expediting the recruitment process to meet these benchmarks, thereby providing better health care to the people within the state.

According to health department data, 9.5 lakh patients travel outside the state annually for treatment, resulting in an economic loss of Rs 1,350 crore to the state’s GDP. “If quality healthcare services are made available within the state, it is estimated that Rs 550 crore of the state GDP could be saved annually, along with valuable time for patients,” said the spokesperson.

Himachal Tribune