VRS to doctors not to be withdrawn: HP Govt

Dharamshala, May 9 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh Government today refused to withdraw the notification proposing to increase the retirement age of doctors to 55 from 45 years and their minimum government service to 30 from 20 years, saying this was not possible with doctors in short supply.

State's Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Harinder Singh Heera told UNI here that withdrawal of the notification was not possible as the state was already short of doctors.

''Why are the medical officers keen on taking VRS when they are being provided best service conditions and remuneration. If all doctors are to take VRS, then how are we supposed run the hospitals in the state,'' she said.

Ms Heera said the doctors in this state were being allowed to continue their studies by undergoing post-graduate courses, besides being provided other facilities on a par with the facilities being provided in the neighbouring states.

The principal secretary was here to attend a day-long meeting with health authorities to discuss the modalities for the shifting of the Dr R P Government Medical College and hospital from here to the new building at Tanda by the end of this month.

She hoped that the Chief Minister's directive of shifting the hospital to the new building at Tanda by the end of this month would be met.

''The building is ready and tenders for the purchase of the medical and other equipment will be floated and purchases would be made next week.'' Denying any shortage of funds for the purchase of medical equipment for this medical college and hospital, she said the hospital would be the best in the country with OPDs of major departments having infrastructure of fire fighting, detection, controlled air conditioning and lifts.

The hospital, which has 17 operation theatres (OTs), including seven minor OTs, has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 55 crore.

UNI