Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh govt has approved a 78% increase in the monthly salary of contract and job trainee medical officers (specialists). Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Wednesday that their monthly remuneration had been increased from Rs 33,660 to Rs 60,000.The decision follows an earlier salary revision in 2022, when the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations increased the salaries of contract and job trainee medical officers from around Rs 27,000 to Rs 33,660.The latest hike is aimed at attracting and retaining specialist doctors in govt health institutions, particularly in the remote and underserved areas.The state govt believes the enhanced salary package will strengthen healthcare services by encouraging more specialists to serve in public hospitals, ensuring better access to quality medical care across Himachal Pradesh.As part of its healthcare reforms, the state govt had earlier increased the stipends of postgraduate medical students in govt medical colleges. First-year postgraduate students now receive Rs 50,000 per month, second-year students Rs 60,000, and third-year students Rs 65,000.Stipends for senior residents and tutor specialists were also revised to Rs 1 lakh, and that of super specialists and senior residents (super specialists) to Rs 1.30 lakh per month.Sukhu said healthcare and education remain his govt’s top priorities, adding that the latest salary revision would further improve medical services and strengthen the state’s public healthcare system.
