SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, March 12: The Jharkhand Health Department on Wednesday finally released the six-month pending salary of Senior Residents at Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College Hospital (SNMMCH), Dhanbad.
Taking cognizance of the financial difficulties faced by Senior Residents, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of Health, Ajay Kumar Singh, approved the fund allocation for salary payments across all medical colleges in Jharkhand.
Allocation Confirmed for Pending Salaries
SNMMCH Superintendent Dr. Dinesh Kumar Gindoria confirmed receiving the allotment order and assured that the pending salaries would be adjusted accordingly.
The Senior Residents, who have been serving under a three-year bond, had not received their salaries since October 2024. Despite ACS Health Ajay Kumar Singh’s assurance on January 17 to clear the dues by January 31, the payment was delayed until now.
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Protests and Pressure from Medical Associations
The Junior Doctors Network (JDN), a key organization representing Senior Residents from all six medical colleges, along with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Jharkhand chapter and other doctors’ bodies, had been actively demanding the release of salaries.
JDN Chairman Dr. Sushil Kumar and Secretary Dr. Raghvendra Kumar had even warned of agitation if further delays occurred.
Impact of ‘The Jharkhand Story’ Reports
News portal The Jharkhand Story consistently reported on the plight of the Senior Residents, drawing government attention to their financial hardships. A report published on March 11 highlighted how many doctors were facing eviction from their rented accommodations due to non-payment of rent for six months.
Following these reports and sustained pressure, the overdue salaries have now been released.
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Relief for Senior Residents
“We thank ACS Health for addressing this critical issue. Senior Residents in Dhanbad were on the verge of starvation due to the prolonged delay in salary payments,” said JDN Secretary Dr. Raghvendra Kumar.
