All Manipur AYUSH Doctors’ Association (AMADA) on Sunday drew attention of the government to address the grievances and inconveniences faced by AYUSH doctors under National Health Mission, Manipur.
Speaking to the media, AMADA spokesperson, H Robindro lamented that there is great disparity in salaries between AYUSH doctors and MBBS doctors even though doctors from both these streams possess equivalent degrees and are equally treated under Manipur Health Services Rules.
Robindro pointed out that during the time of COVID-19 pandemic, all AYUSH doctors and pharmacists are equally deployed as medical officers in screening centres, quarantine centres, sample collection among others.
“However, the majority of the doctors have been working on contractual basis since 2006 and only 30 doctors are currently working at AYUSH directorate, established in 2015, on a regular basis. Besides, recruitment through MPSC for some AYUSH doctors has been done but in a piecemeal manner unlike MBBS doctors whose recruitment goes for 300-400 doctors at a time,” he said alleging that the government has been remaining apathetic towards them.
He also urged the government for regularisation of the AYUSH doctors and pharmacists.
Robindro further stated that AYUSH staff were not given the regular annual increment of salary approved by the government of India and were also not included in the pay rationalization of staff under National Health Mission, Manipur.
While appealing to the government not to sideline the grievances of the AYUSH staff, the spokesperson urged for easing their sufferings.
AMADA members and executives also expressed their condolences over the demise of AYUSH pharmacist, RK Pramodini, who passed away on May 19 after attending COVID-19 duty and urged the government to extend aid to the family of the frontline workers as assured.
AMADA also extended financial assistance to family members of the deceased during the occasion.
