Kolkata: In a significant move aimed at boosting the morale of the medical fraternity, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a salary increment for doctors across various categories, along with the withdrawal of the suspension of junior doctors involved in the Midnapore Medical College and Hospital (MCH) case.
The Chief Minister declared an increment of ₹10,000 for all interns, house staff, PG trainees, and PD trainees. Senior resident doctors will also receive a hike of ₹15,000. Diploma-holding senior doctors will now earn ₹80,000 per month, up from ₹65,000. Postgraduate senior doctors’ salaries have been increased from ₹70,000 to ₹85,000, while Post Doctorate senior doctors will now draw ₹1 lakh monthly.
Addressing concerns over the Midnapore MCH incident, Banerjee emphasized the responsibility of senior doctors, stating, “It was not right for senior doctors to rely entirely on juniors for crucial surgeries. Senior doctors must complete their 8-hour duties responsibly.”
While acknowledging the negligence in the Midnapore case, Banerjee refrained from commenting further due to the ongoing investigation. She, however, revoked the suspension of junior doctors, citing the importance of considering their future prospects.
The Chief Minister also urged doctors not to migrate abroad and emphasized collaboration among medical professionals and administrative officers. She stressed the need for responsible grievance redressal mechanisms, highlighting the state’s development in medical infrastructure despite occasional setbacks.
This announcement has been widely welcomed by the medical community, with hopes of strengthening healthcare services in the state.
