AGARTALA:
Medical services at the Tripura Medical College and Hospital were severely disrupted after the intern doctors launched an indefinite strike on June 13 demanding an increase in honorarium and waiving of hostel fees.
Speaking on behalf of the intern doctors, Dr. Saiful Islam said that the honorarium was last increased in 2017. “Since then, despite the increase in commodity prices, the college authorities have not thought about increasing our allowance,” he said.
According to him, the allowance was increased to Rs 14,500 in 2017. However, it was not decided then that the hostel fee would be deducted from their allowance. However, every month Rs 2,000 is being deducted from our allowance for hostel fee. As a result, the interns are receiving only Rs 12,500, he said.
Saiful further said that they have to go to the hospital day and night for medical services in rural areas for which they are not getting anything for travel expenses. As a result, they provide medical services in rural areas by spending their own money.
Alleging that the college authorities have been asked to increase the allowance several times, he said that the college has taken do steps to address the issue.
“Intern doctors of Agartala Government Medical College are receiving Rs 21, 000 while we are receiving Rs 14,500 which is very less. And we are indeed being deprived,”he said.
The interns claimed that it was impossible to continue the service in the hospital without an acceptable amount.
“After we protested, the college authorities discussed and assured us that our demands will be fulfilled. However, we will not lift our strike till we get any written assurance from the hospital authority. The strike will continue until our demands are fulfilled,” he added.
Dr Islam said a letter has been sent to Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha describing the overall situation of the interns.