This isn’t why we joined profession, say young medics disheartened by govt order
Sunil Chadha
SHIMLA:
Imagine studying for eight and a half years, dedicating your youth to one of the most demanding professions and then finally getting a government job — only to be labelled a “Job Trainee.” This is not fiction but a harsh reality now facing hundreds of newly appointed doctors in Himachal Pradesh.
The Himachal Pradesh government, through a notification issued on September 18, has appointed postgraduate doctors not as full-fledged medical officers, but under the tag of job trainees, with a monthly salary of just ₹33,660. Adding to the frustration, the contract is valid for only one year, with no guarantee of extension.
This shocking appointment model has sparked outrage and heartbreak among the medical community, especially young doctors who feel disrespected and demoralised.
Studied for 8.5 years only to be called trainees, ask doctors
The Newz Radar has launched a special series titled “Dhakka to Doctors” to highlight the plight of these young medical professionals. This isn’t just a bureaucratic label but an insult, say many doctors who have given their entire youth to becoming healthcare professionals.
“After spending years in MBBS and then PG, we expected at least some respect with our first job. Being called a ‘Job Trainee’ is not only disheartening, but also humiliating,” said a newly appointed doctor, requesting anonymity.
The government’s notification clearly states that the doctors appointed after postgraduate studies will not be recognised as permanent staff, but instead will serve as job trainees for a year. Alongside the Rs 33,660 salary, they may receive additional stipends under NHM, ranging between Rs 30,000 and Rs 35,000 — but nothing is assured.
One-year contract adds to insecurity
What has further intensified their frustration is the lack of job security. The appointment order mentions a fixed one-year term, after which continuation is not guaranteed. Young doctors fear that after investing close to a decade in education, they are being left at the mercy of short-term contracts and uncertain futures.
“Imagine working in hospitals, saving lives, carrying the burden of public healthcare — and all the while being unsure if your job will exist a year from now,” said another young doctor from IGMC Shimla.
Doctors question government’s double standards
The doctors have also raised a pointed question — if this is the norm for new professionals, then why aren’t new MLAs or civil servants (like HAS officers) given the title of ‘Job Trainee’?
“Are we not public servants too? If we are trainees, then so should be the new legislators and administrators. Let fairness be equal,” said a PG doctor from Tanda Medical College.
Many doctors feel trapped in the system due to the Rs 40 lakh bond they are required to sign during their PG education. This bond mandates that they must serve in government jobs for two years after completing their studies, effectively giving them no choice but to accept whatever terms are offered, even if it means being called a trainee.
This, say critics, gives the government unchecked power to exploit young professionals without offering them the dignity or rights of regular employees.
Doctors are now urging the government to withdraw the term ‘Job Trainee’ from appointment letters and treat them as what they truly are — qualified, full-time medical professionals.
“No doctor will be able to serve wholeheartedly under this demoralising label. We want to work, we want to serve — but we also want respect,” said a representative of the doctors’ association.
