Image Source: AGENCIES

WATSUPPTODAY DESK
26-05-2023

The state government today issued a notification withdrawing the grant of non-practicing allowance (NPA) to doctors to be recruited in the near future. The issue was discussed at the last Cabinet meeting and a decision was taken to withdraw the NPA facility to doctors to be appointed in the future. However, the decision would not be applicable to doctors in service and would be enforced prospectively. As per the notification issued by the Department of Finance, the decision would apply not only to allopathic doctors recruited by the Health and Family Welfare Department and the Medical Education Department but also to dental, Ayurveda, and veterinary doctors. The government has taken the decision after partially modifying earlier notifications issued in 2022. However, the notification does not clarify whether doctors, who will be recruited in the future, can go for private practice. In the past also, doctors had opposed the government's decision to reduce the NPA from 25 percent to 20 percent. Sources said that the NPA withdrawal for future doctors in five categories would reduce the huge salary burden.

Meanwhile, the Himachal Medical Officers Association, in a press note issued here, opposed the government's decision. “The decision is not only anti-doctors but also anti-people. If doctors start private practice in the absence of the NPA, not only out-of-pocket expenses of patients will increase but also the foundation of the entire health system will shake up,” it said. The association said, “Himachal ranks among the best in the country in terms of health services because doctors get the NPA. In states where the NPA is not given, health services are quite poor.” It urged the government not to stop the NPA and discuss the issue with doctors. The association asked the government to restore the 4-9-14 scheme for assured career progression, as it takes around 25 to 30 years for a medical officer to become a block medical officer. Besides, the association said that posts in the Health Department be filled only among MBBS doctors and not by officials of other departments.