Rajasthan Government Slashes Contract Doctors’ Salaries by 50%, Sparks Outrage

Healthcare professionals condemn “illogical, illegal” pay cut for MBBS graduates under National Health Mission.

Jaipur: The Rajasthan government has triggered widespread condemnation from the medical community after announcing a drastic 50% salary reduction for contractual Allopathy Medical Officers (MOs) under the National Health Mission (NHM). The revised pay of ₹28,050 per month for MBBS graduates-down from ₹56,100-has been labeled “exploitative” and “unlivable” by doctors’ associations.

The April 17 notification, which advertises 167 vacancies, mandates applicants to hold NMC-recognized degrees, complete internships, and register with the Rajasthan Medical Council. However, the revised salary-lower than wages for livestock attendants and nursing staff-has ignited fury.

“Recruit Voluntary Doctors, Not Slaves”: IMA-JDN
Dr. Dhruv Chauhan, medical activist and IMA-JDN national spokesperson, lambasted the move:

“The government might as well announce they want doctors to work without pay. Who would accept this after clearing NEET, enduring a grueling MBBS course, and internships? This is an insult to the profession.”

Systemic Exploitation?
Dr. Arun Kumar, UDF National General Secretary, highlighted the disparity:

“No other government profession faces such cuts. Will officials accept a 50% salary reduction themselves? This will force young doctors to flee Rajasthan or even India.”

Workload vs. Pay Disparity
Dr. Bharat Pareek, UDF Rajasthan president, emphasized the irony:

“Contractual MOs handle emergencies, surgeries, and deliveries but earn less than nurses. With inflation, ₹28,050 isn’t survival-it’s servitude.”

Next Steps
The UDF plans to meet Rajasthan’s Health Minister to demand a reversal, warning of healthcare collapse if salaries aren’t restored.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information from edexlive.com. Figures and quotes are attributed to sources cited in the original report. For official clarifications, contact the Rajasthan Health Department directly.
Original source: https://www.edexlive.com/news/2025/Apr/30/illogical-illegal-order-rajasthan-medicos-slam-50-cut-in-contract-doctor-salary

Note: Edited for structure, brevity, and impact while retaining original context.