VRS to doctors not to be withdrawn, says principal secretary

Dharamshala, May 8 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh Government today refused to withdraw the notification that increased the retirement age of doctors to 55 from 45 years and increased their minimum government service to 30 from 20 years, saying this is 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 at 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 Dharamshala 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 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.'' MORE UNI XC AS HS VN2049