Major Development for Government Doctors in Rajasthan
Resolution of Awaiting Posting Orders
In a significant advancement for government doctors in Rajasthan, the long-standing concern regarding separate Awaiting Posting Orders (APO) regularization post-completion of postgraduate studies and senior residency has been addressed. The State Government has released formal directives, providing substantial relief to numerous in-service doctors throughout the state.
Details of the Government Order
The government order specifies, “Regularization of APO period of doctors who are waiting in the Directorate (Headquarters) after being reinstated from suspension and awaiting orders due to other administrative reasons will be sent to the State Government through the Directorate as per the existing procedure after receiving the proposal from the concerned Controlling Officer.”
Furthermore, the order clarifies that in-service doctors who have completed their PG, DNB, DM, MCH, Senior Residency, PCPNDT training, and other accredited academic programs are required to mark their attendance at their respective government medical colleges until they receive official postings.
Salary Disbursement Guidelines
The order also states that after concluding sanctioned study leave or extraordinary leave, salaries for the interim period before formal appointments must be disbursed by the institution where the new posting is assigned. Payments will be processed based on attendance certification issued by the designated controlling authority, and the waiting duration for withdrawal orders will be considered as regular service.
Moreover, once the doctors are officially posted, the waiting period for orders will be regarded as regular service only if they join duty within the prescribed timeframe. In the event of not joining within the specified period, a proposal should be submitted to the State Government through the Directorate for regularization of the waiting period.
Salary Allocation in Case of Vacancies
The order further stipulates, “If there are no vacant positions within the institution for drawing salary for the APO period, the Chief Medical and Health Officer will draw from an equivalent vacant position in the district. If there are no equivalent positions vacant in the district, the salary will be drawn from an equivalent vacant position in the relevant division.”
Additionally, the directive issued by Governor Nisha Meena indicates that doctors reporting to the Directorate Headquarters after completing higher studies at private universities (upon finishing study leave or extraordinary leave) will also be addressed similarly until they are officially posted.
Response from Medical Community
Previously, Medical Dialogues reported that doctors have urged the State Government to act swiftly to ensure prompt postings for those who have completed their training. In a letter to the Chief Secretary of the Rajasthan Government, Dr. Bharat Pareek, President of the United Doctors’ Front (UDF), highlighted that for years, doctors who completed their PG and Senior Residency training have faced prolonged waiting periods for orders at the Directorate or their respective medical colleges.
UDF has praised the new order, recognizing it as an administrative correction and a triumph for fairness, dignity, and professional justice for doctors who encountered unnecessary delays, salary issues, and procedural obstacles. Dr. Bharat Pareek noted, “This decision proves that when issues are raised with unity, clarity, and commitment, solutions follow. It is a win for doctors and a progressive step toward administrative reform.”