SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, March 11: The delay in salary payments for senior residents at Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College Hospital (SNMMCH), Dhanbad, has sparked outrage among doctors’ associations across the state.
More than 62 senior residents working under a three-year bonded service at SNMMCH have not received their salaries since October 2023. The financial strain has left many struggling to pay rent, with some being asked by landlords to vacate their accommodations.
Disparity in Salary Payments Across Medical Colleges
In contrast, senior residents in four other government medical colleges—MGMMCH Jamshedpur, SBMCH Hazaribagh, MMCH Palamu, and PJMCH Dumka—have received their salaries on time. Even tutors at SNMMCH, who fall under the principal’s jurisdiction, have been paid without delay.
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Unfulfilled Assurance by Health Department
Despite assurances from Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of Health Ajay Kumar Singh, the issue remains unresolved. During his visit to SNMMCH on January 17, alongside Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari, ACS Singh had promised to clear all pending salaries by January 31. However, more than three months later, the assurance remains unfulfilled.
When contacted, newly appointed SNMMCH Superintendent Dr. Dinesh Kumar Gindoria stated that the salary file is being processed and that payments would be released soon.
IMA Criticizes Government’s Apathy
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Jharkhand chapter has strongly condemned the delay. At an executive meeting held in Dhanbad on March 2, IMA President Dr. A.K. Singh and Secretary Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh expressed serious concerns over the government’s lack of commitment to healthcare improvements.
“Doctors cannot provide their best service while struggling to survive without salaries for six months. This is why medical professionals from Jharkhand are moving to other states, while doctors from outside hesitate to work here due to the government’s negligence,” they said.
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Junior Doctors Network Gears Up for Protest
The Junior Doctors Network (JDN), representing senior residents across all six state-run medical colleges, including Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Ranchi, is preparing for agitation over the issue.
JDN Chairman Dr. Sushil Kumar, President Dr. Vikash Kumar (RIMS), and Secretary Dr. Raghvendra Kumar have repeatedly reminded officials about the overdue payments. “With no response from the authorities, we have no option left but to resort to protests,” they warned.
