Association Condemns Exclusion of Specialists from NPA Benefit
The Teachers Welfare Association of Medical College Tanda has expressed strong resentment over the state government's decision to restore the non-practising allowance (NPA) exclusively for super-specialist faculty members. In a joint statement issued on Monday, association leaders Dr Vivek Sood (president), Dr Neeraj Gupta (general secretary) and Dr Amit Bhardwaj (secretary) termed the move discriminatory and detrimental to the morale of the medical fraternity.
Government Decision Creates Artificial Hierarchy
While welcoming the restoration of NPA to super-specialists holding DM, M.Ch and DNB qualifications, the association resented the exclusion of specialist doctors with MD and MS degrees as well as other medical faculty members. The association said the decision had created an “artificial and unjust hierarchy” within the healthcare system by extending financial benefits to one category of doctors while denying the same to specialists who form the backbone of patient care, medical education and research in government medical colleges.
Teamwork Undermined by Selective Benefits
“The healthcare system functions through teamwork. Specialists and super-specialists work side by side under equally demanding conditions. Recognising one group while ignoring another is both unfair and demoralising,” the association stated. It highlighted that specialist doctors handle an overwhelming majority of clinical cases, mentor postgraduate students and contribute significantly to research and academic activities. Denying them the NPA would not only undermine their professional contributions but also erode their dignity and motivation.
Warning of Doctor Shortage
The association warned the government that the denial of allowance to specialists could aggravate the shortage of experienced doctors in the state. Many specialists are working under challenging conditions with comparatively lower entry-level salaries, and the denial of allowance may push more doctors to seek opportunities in the private sector, the association added.
