Though they had been demanding a separate cadre for the last 10 years, doctors have started exerting pressure in the wake of first and second Covid wave.
“We have been demanding a separate cadre for the past 10 years since 2011. The ministers and doctors had signed an agreement in 2011 in which a separate cadre for doctors was one of the points. The government had agreed to it. A similar agreement on a separate cadre was agreed upon in 2017, but the government was yet to form a separate cadre for doctors,”said Dr Ajay Chaudhary, who was one of the leaders during 2011 agitation of doctors.
He said in the wake of the Covid pandemic, doctors are again peacefully demanding implementation of the agreement.
The separate cadre is meant for resolving various issues including promotions and postings.
“Since we do not have a separate cadre, even senior doctors are posted in community health centres. Also, a separate cadre will ensure selection for promotions for the higher posts on the basis of seniority-cum-merit basis,” said Dr Laxman Singh Ola, a representative of doctors who is taking up the demand with the state government for a separate cadre.
On Doctors’ Day, health minister Raghu Sharma said, “The demand of doctors for a separate cadre as per the agreements in 2011 and 2017 is pending. A cadre committee had presented a proposal to the state government in June. The proposal will be examined and decision on it will be taken soon for its implementation.”
