A series of “irrational and unilateral” decisions affecting medical faculty and healthcare professionals has triggered widespread resentment and demoralisation within the healthcare education system, the State Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers (SAMDCOT) has alleged.
SAMDCOT president Dr Balbir said several major policy decisions had been implemented without consultation with stakeholders, adversely impacting service conditions, academic functioning and staff morale.
Among the key concerns raised by the association are curtailment of vacations without justification, reduction in monthly salary from ₹54,000 to ₹33,000, withdrawal of Non-Practising Allowance (NPA), discontinuation of the 4-9-14 scale and PG allowance, reduction of special leave from 21 days to eight days, and withdrawal of TA/DA for CME conferences.
Dr Balbir further alleged that candidates selected through Public Service Commission interviews are being compelled to serve as trainee doctors for two years before regular appointment.
The association also highlighted administrative concerns, including the non-conduct of Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) for DME principals, cadre merger for newly appointed faculty, shifting of KNH without adequate infrastructure, and implementation of time-bound designations without corresponding financial benefits.
It further claimed that designations already granted to Dental College faculty had reportedly been reversed retrospectively, adding to uncertainty among teaching staff.
Calling the situation detrimental to institutional integrity and public healthcare services, Dr Balbir urged the government to immediately review the decisions and initiate transparent consultations with stakeholders to restore confidence within the system.
