The Odisha government’s offer of hefty pay incentives for working in rural pockets does not seem to have many takers. Only 108 medicos turned up to join government services whereas appointment letters were issued to 370 candidates.
Poverty-stricken Koraput-Bolangir-Kalahandi region has not got many doctors from the list of 108 candidates who finally joined. Not a single ad hoc doctor joined in government facilities in district such as Deogarh, Sonepur, Malkanagiri and Boudh.
The State government completed the process for recruitment of ad hoc doctors in a very short span of time. July 6 was the last date for joining respective hospitals.
In April this year, the State government had announced Rs.80,000 in addition to their per month salary for a specialist doctor working in the remotest area. Similarly, an incentive of Rs.40,000 over and above their monthly salary for medical officers was offered.
A senior officer in the Health and Family Welfare department said no decision had been taken to fill up rest 262 posts. If required, candidates names of which figured in waiting list might be invited to join duties.
Meanwhile, the State government has decided to sack 448 doctors who had deserted their place of duty for a long period.
