Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (MD)

Mangaluru, Jun 24: Health minister U T Khader on Friday July 24 ruled out the possibility of making jobs of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush) doctors permanent. The Ayush doctors have been protesting in Bengaluru demanding the government to make them permanent and increase salaries.

Addressing the media at Circuit House here, Khader said, "I met the protesting Ayush doctors who are working under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). They requested to make their jobs permanent and increase their salaries. On the state government’s part, we did not accept either of the demands. We have clearly instructed them about this. We cannot increase their salaries nor make their jobs permanent.

"In the past, we know that these doctors were working with salaries less than Rs 15,000. We had written letter in November 2014 to NRHM department in Delhi with a request to increase the salary Rs 28,000. The answer what we got from them was ‘ongoing activity approved for 5% hike for 650 Ayush doctors, approved at Rs 16,170 per month per Ayush doctor. State may re-advertise for the existing posts of Ayush doctors at a salary of Rs 25,000 per month and the existing Ayush doctors may also apply'.

“We had asked for Rs 28,000 but that is the answer we got from NHRM. In accordance with the response, we will start working. At the time of appointments, we will see to it that those who have worked the maximum with us are re-appointed. Those who are already serving with us will be considered first. From our side, we are giving our maximum support. If they are going to continue with the protest then we will send notice and appoint new doctors in their place. Now there are 587 Ayush doctors working under Public Service Commission (PSC)," he said.

He further said, "We cannot make them permanent. This is a contract-basis job and there is no vacancy. The doctors who were protesting have agreed and withdrawn the protest. We will re-advertise and we will see what happens. We have got the approval for the appointment of 650 posts. We are ready to help, we are there for them."

"At present, 67 members are working from nine years. We are going to consider these 67 members also for the appointment. But we cannot make them permanent. According to the centre's directions, it is not possible to suddenly increase the salary of doctors working on contract basis from Rs 15,000 to Rs 28,000. That is why we are re-appointing. It is a new process," he added.

"By August 30 we will finish the process. We are also trying to get the evaluation report from the DHO, based on which we will decide. As many as 381 MBBS, 63 PG and 87 dental doctors’ posts are for open for permanent appointments now and candidates can submit the applications online. This has already been notified. These doctors will work in primary health centres and other places where there are vacant posts," Khader said.