HYDERABAD: Health Minister K. Rosaiah has said the introduction of pay scales as recommended by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for Government doctors has reversed the earlier trend when there were no takers for the jobs in the State.

He informed the Assembly during question hour on Friday that the Government introduced UGC scales from November 1 last year to attract specialist doctors. The move reversed the trend that saw Government notifying a large number of vacancies, but only a few doctors ultimately joining service.

Meagre entry

The situation was so bad last year that the Government notified 178 posts of assistant professors in super specialities. But, only 28 posts were filled. It was in these circumstances that the Government contemplated steps to draw doctors.

The Government effected policy changes in the recruitment system by offering UGC scales to specialists and drafting the services of retired staff on a consolidated pay of Rs. 40,000 a month.

The retired doctors were also permitted to draw pension while receiving post-retirement salary, Mr. Rosaiah said, adding that the UGC scales had cast an additional burden of Rs. 24 crores per annum on the State exchequer.

Kurnool hospital

The Minister was replying to a question by Challa Ramakrishna Reddy (Congress) on the poor conditions in Kurnool General Hospital.

Mr. Reddy said the sanctioned strength of nurses at the hospital had not been increased for 15 years. The CPI(M) and TRS members staged a walkout resenting the Government indifference towards health sector.

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