Challenges Faced by Female Postgraduate Medical Doctors in Telangana

Urgent Call for Intervention

In Telangana, female postgraduate medical doctors working in both government and private hospitals are facing significant challenges during their maternity leave. Doctors are urging relevant authorities to intervene swiftly to resolve these issues.

Lack of Clear Guidelines and Communication Gaps

Members of the Telangana Senior Resident Doctors Association (TSRDA) have expressed concerns about the absence of clear guidelines from the University. They highlighted a communication gap between the University and medical colleges, resulting in confusion and inconsistent practices. The association noted, “While colleges claim that the university is responsible, attempts to communicate with the university often result in delays or direct college interventions, which are interpreted as absences, leading to attendance shortages and potential disqualification from exams.”

Financial Burdens on New Mothers

New mothers are reportedly required to pay ₹15,000 after completing the mandatory three-month maternity leave. Additionally, during any extension of their maternity leave, they are not provided with a stipend. TSRDA emphasized that during this extended period, female postgraduate doctors are prohibited from taking casual leave, even in cases of medical emergencies or child health issues.

Mandatory Fees and Stipend Delays

The association stated, “After completing the mandatory three-month maternity leave, students are compelled to pay ₹15,000 to rejoin their courses. Following this, they must wait an additional 15-20 days, sometimes more than a month, to obtain permission from the university. During this period, they are often denied access to departmental facilities.” Furthermore, they raised concerns about delays in stipend payments, which can extend 4-5 months post-maternity leave, causing financial hardship and negatively impacting maternal and child health.

Calls for Immediate Action

Despite multiple representations made to KNRUHS and the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) in Telangana, no solutions have been provided. The association has now brought the issue to the attention of the Chairperson of the State and National Commission for Women, advocating for the establishment and dissemination of clear guidelines regarding maternity leave and rejoining procedures to all colleges and students.

Demands for Policy Changes

The TSRDA is calling for the immediate waiver of the ₹15,000 fee imposed on female postgraduates on maternity leave. They also demand that stipends be paid regularly during any extension of maternity leave to alleviate financial distress. Additionally, the association insists that female PG students should be allowed to take casual leave during their maternity leave extension, particularly in emergency situations related to maternal or child health. They urge the immediate release of all pending stipends to support the well-being of mothers and children during this crucial time.

Related Concerns

In a related context, doctors have criticized the Jammu and Kashmir government for making maternity and paternity leave unpaid, further highlighting the need for improved policies regarding parental leave across various regions.