Latest news with #RMOs
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Punjab government asks rural medical officers to merge with health department amid doctor shortage
Chandigarh: In a step aimed at addressing the shortage of medical officers and enhancing healthcare delivery, the Punjab govt has invited rural medical officers (RMOs) currently serving in the department of rural development and panchayats to merge into the state's health department. However, the move may not garner the desired response, as RMOs have indicated that their consent is contingent on the govt meeting key demands, including protection of seniority and pay-related benefits. Punjab currently operates around 500 rural dispensaries, each serving approximately 10,000 residents. About 530 RMOs are posted at these facilities across the state. The merger proposal comes at a time when the state health department is grappling with a severe shortage of doctors. Of the 3,847 sanctioned posts for general medical officers, only 1,885 are filled, leaving 1,962 posts, or 51%, vacant. A similar situation exists in the specialist cadre, where 1,108 of the 2,098 sanctioned posts are occupied, resulting in a 47% vacancy rate. Overall, nearly 50% of the department's 5,945 sanctioned posts remain unfilled. To address this shortfall, the department initiated the recruitment of 1,000 new medical officers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thị trường có dấu hiệu suy thoái không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Besides that, officials hope that integrating RMOs into the health department will further help bridge the manpower gap, especially in rural areas. The health department has written to the department of rural development and panchayats, requesting RMOs to submit their consent via an option form by June 6, in accordance with specified terms and conditions. This follows a series of meetings in April between officials of both departments and representatives of the Federation of Associations of Rural Medical Officers, Punjab. During these discussions, RMO representatives expressed conditional willingness to join the health department, demanding protection of full seniority and entitlements such as Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) and gratuity. The health department clarified that seniority for those opting to merge would be counted from the date of their joining the health department, rather than from their date of regularisation in the department of rural development and panchayats. Additionally, all emoluments will accrue from the date of joining in the department of health. RMOs will be transferred only after providing written consent accepting the stated terms and conditions. RMOs choosing to remain with the department of rural development and panchayats will continue in their current roles. However, their posts will be designated as a "dying cadre", meaning that once a position becomes vacant, no new appointments will be made. Instead, the rural dispensary concerned, along with its contractual paramedical and Class IV staff, will be transferred to the health department. The merger of rural dispensaries has long been a contentious issue. In 2021, 132 rural dispensaries and their staff were transferred to the health department. Many of these centres continue to face irregular and inadequate supplies of medicines, raising concerns about operational efficiency and public health outcomes. Dr Jagjit Bajwa, representing the Federation of Associations of Rural Medical Officers, reiterated RMOs' position: "We are open to the merger, provided our seniority and pay are protected and we are extended other benefits." MSID:: 121595890 413 |
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Future Specialists Speak Out In Support Of Senior Doctors
Press Release – STONZ STONZ executive member, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainee Jordan Tewhaiti-Smith says that like the SMOs who are currently striking, we are deeply concerned about the safety of our patients and our communities, and the ability for all New Zealanders … Specialty Trainees of New Zealand (STONZ), a union representing Resident Medical Officers (RMOs), supports today's strike action taken by Senior Doctors (SMOs). STONZ executive member, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainee Jordan Tewhaiti-Smith says that like the SMOs who are currently striking, 'we are deeply concerned about the safety of our patients and our communities, and the ability for all New Zealanders to access the healthcare we need and deserve' 'As future specialists, we are disappointed in the response from the government so far, and STONZ supports ASMS, and our senior colleagues today.' 'If we want a healthcare system that we can all access and be proud of, we need to ensure that we are valuing our workforce and being clear to everyone that this is important. 'As doctors, we know any decision to strike would not have been taken lightly. We have concerns about the future of specialist care in Aotearoa, New Zealand and an important starting point is to support, value and retain the doctors already working here which we will also be highlighting when we begin negotiations early next year. 'Being a doctor is a job where you can do incredible things. That's why doctors and other health workers put up with so much. We want to help, look after and care for our communities – but there's a point at which many newer doctors will start asking themselves if six years of med school, huge student loans, followed by as many or more years of fatigue, working upwards of 60-70-hour plus weeks and stress pursuing a specialty that they might never get the chance to reach is actually worth it.' 'We, along with our senior colleagues, are advocating for a healthcare system that supports, values and retains our highly trained and skilled clinicians, which can provide better health outcomes for everyone in Aotearoa, New Zealand.' STONZ is a union for RMOs that is run by RMOs and advocates for the long-term benefit of its members, their patients, and Aotearoa's health system.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Future Specialists Speak Out In Support Of Senior Doctors
Specialty Trainees of New Zealand (STONZ), a union representing Resident Medical Officers (RMOs), supports today's strike action taken by Senior Doctors (SMOs). STONZ executive member, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainee Jordan Tewhaiti-Smith says that like the SMOs who are currently striking, 'we are deeply concerned about the safety of our patients and our communities, and the ability for all New Zealanders to access the healthcare we need and deserve' 'As future specialists, we are disappointed in the response from the government so far, and STONZ supports ASMS, and our senior colleagues today.' 'If we want a healthcare system that we can all access and be proud of, we need to ensure that we are valuing our workforce and being clear to everyone that this is important. 'As doctors, we know any decision to strike would not have been taken lightly. We have concerns about the future of specialist care in Aotearoa, New Zealand and an important starting point is to support, value and retain the doctors already working here which we will also be highlighting when we begin negotiations early next year. 'Being a doctor is a job where you can do incredible things. That's why doctors and other health workers put up with so much. We want to help, look after and care for our communities – but there's a point at which many newer doctors will start asking themselves if six years of med school, huge student loans, followed by as many or more years of fatigue, working upwards of 60-70-hour plus weeks and stress pursuing a specialty that they might never get the chance to reach is actually worth it.' 'We, along with our senior colleagues, are advocating for a healthcare system that supports, values and retains our highly trained and skilled clinicians, which can provide better health outcomes for everyone in Aotearoa, New Zealand.' STONZ is a union for RMOs that is run by RMOs and advocates for the long-term benefit of its members, their patients, and Aotearoa's health system.
