GOVT DOCS THREATEN STIR FROM SEP 17

LUCKNOW: Members of the Provincial Medical Services Association (PMSA), the body of government doctors in the state, have decided to launch a stir from September 17 to raise certain issues concerning them and have threatened to boycott work if the demands are not met.

“The state government has denied us voluntary retirement and also raised the retirement age. It seems we are now bonded workers who cannot even choose to retire after decades of service,” said PMSA president Dr Ashok Yadav, after the state working committee meet on Sunday.

The association decided to submit a memorandum to the chief minister through district magistrates in all districts on September 24 and if by October 1, issues were not resolved the doctors might boycott work.

“We have had several meetings with officials and ministers but no result came till now. For us it’s now a situation where we cannot sustain the discrimination, hence if our demands are not met even now we should be free to take any decision. Further decision will be taken after October 1,” said Dr Yadav.

PMSA general secretary Dr Amit Singh said, “When it comes to health care services, the government wants us to work roundthe-clock but when it comes to providing us good working conditions and perks we are not paid.”

“The government is appointing doctors on contract and is ready to give them up to ₹2 lakh as salary for 8 hours of work. But those in regular service are deprived of such salaries and even are required to work day and night,” said Dr Singh, pointing towards the scheme where walk-in interviews were held for contractual services in medical sector.

› When it comes to health care services, the government wants us to work roundtheclock but when it comes to providing good working conditions, we are not paid. DR AMIT SINGH,

PMSA general secretary