Recently, the medical community has been divided and criticized over a notification that the Darjeeling district’s District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) sent out. The notification, dated July 11, stated that an MBBS physician who has completed postgraduate training in pediatric medicine (MD or DNB) will be paid Rs 12,000 per month, which is the same as what an ayah and chowkidar are paid. Medical professionals have taken to social media to express their outrage at this disclosure, seeing in the wage offer a gross undervaluation of their knowledge and contributions.
The notification states that the Matigara Children Home for Girls in Siliguri’s Specialized Adoption Agency (SAA) is hiring under the Mission Vatsalya initiative for a number of roles. The goal of this central government program is to offer children in difficult situations all-encompassing care and safety. One social worker/early childhood educator, one doctor, one nurse, six ayahs, one chowkidar, and one manager/coordinator are among the positions. These are all contract-based, temporary positions.
The notification’s remuneration structure places the doctor’s compensation between that of an ayah and a chowkidar. The judgment has been seen as a “disrespect” to the medical community since it fails to acknowledge the substantial training and education needed to become a licensed physician. On the other hand, the manager/coordinator role, which requires a computer application diploma in addition to a psychology or social work certificate, pays somewhat more at Rs 23,170.
The difference in pay has drawn criticism from the medical community. Prominent medical experts, including orthopaedic surgeons, have expressed their dissatisfaction, arguing that such remuneration diminishes medicine and minimizes the importance of the role that doctors perform in treating and safeguarding children. They argue that a physician who has completed further training and is an MBBS should be paid adequately for their enhanced training and professional responsibilities.
The district magistrate of Darjeeling, Dr. Preeti Goyal, has responded to the criticism by addressing the controversy and announcing that a corrigendum will be issued to address the compensation disparity for the doctor’s post. The goal of the adjustment is to match the compensation to the role’s requirements in terms of expectations and qualifications.
This episode brings to light more general concerns about pay inequality and regard for medical experts across industries. In order to ensure that all contributions to public health and welfare are fairly appreciated, it is imperative that equitable remuneration be provided. remuneration should also reflect the educational and professional levels required for employment in the medical field.
SOURCE:
THE STATESMAN.COM
