In a move aimed at bolstering support for the state's healthcare workforce, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today announced a substantial salary hike for medical staff across various levels in government-run hospitals. The announcement, made during a convention titled "Chikitsa Seva Areka Naam" (Medical Service is Another Name for Service) at Dhanadhanya Auditorium in Kolkata, comes as a recognition of the tireless efforts of doctors and medical personnel, especially ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
Addressing an audience of principals of medical colleges, district health officials, and doctors, Banerjee outlined the details of the pay revision. Interns, house staff, postgraduate trainees (PGTs), and postdoctoral trainees (PDTs) will each see their monthly stipends increase by Rs 10,000. Senior resident doctors across all levels will receive a Rs 15,000 hike, while postdoctoral senior residents are set to benefit from an even higher increment of up to Rs 25,000, depending on their qualifications. With this revision, diploma senior residents will now earn Rs 80,000 per month, postgraduate senior residents Rs 85,000, and postdoctoral senior residents Rs 1,00,000.
"We previously increased the salaries of both senior and junior resident doctors, but further revision was necessary," Banerjee stated during her speech. "Doctors are invaluable jewels of our society. Their dedication and hard work deserve this recognition." She also urged senior doctors to take greater responsibility in government hospitals, reducing the burden on junior staff, and emphasized the need for a collaborative effort to improve healthcare services.
The decision follows months of tension between the state government and the medical community, particularly after the tragic rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College in August 2024. The incident sparked widespread protests, with junior doctors demanding better security, improved working conditions, and systemic reforms. While the government's initial response faced criticism, this salary hike is seen as a step toward rebuilding trust and addressing some of the long-standing grievances of healthcare workers.
In addition to the salary increases, Banerjee announced that doctors in state-run hospitals and medical colleges would now be permitted to engage in private practice after completing their mandatory eight-hour daily duties. This relaxation of rules is expected to provide additional income opportunities for medical professionals. The Chief Minister also revealed the lifting of suspensions for doctors at Midnapore Medical College & Hospital, who had been penalised following a patient's death linked to alleged medical negligence involving expired saline. While reinstating them, Banerjee maintained that negligence had occurred but stressed the government's intent to move forward constructively.
The salary hike has been broadly welcomed, though some voices remain cautious. The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front (WBJDF), which led protests after the R.G. Kar incident, did not send representatives to the convention. Members of the group described the event as "an eyewash," arguing that deeper issues such as hospital security, infrastructure, and staffing shortages remain unaddressed. "A pay raise is appreciated, but it’s not a solution to the systemic problems we’ve been fighting for," a junior doctor associated with WBJDF remarked.
The state government has also outlined plans to enhance hospital facilities, including expanding entry gates and providing night shelters for patients’ families. Banerjee highlighted efforts to combat fake medicines and misinformation on social media, underscoring the importance of free treatment in government hospitals.
With this announcement, interns will now earn upwards of Rs 38,000 per month, while senior residents’ salaries will range between Rs 80,000 and Rs 1,00,000, depending on their specialisation and experience. The move is expected to cost the state exchequer significantly, though exact figures were not disclosed. As West Bengal gears up for elections, this initiative is likely to be a key talking point, reflecting the government’s focus on healthcare amid ongoing challenges.
For now, the medical community watches closely to see if these financial incentives will be paired with the broader reforms they have long demanded, ensuring that the state’s healthcare system can truly live up to the Chief Minister’s vision of service and compassion.
Pic Credit PTI.