20000105

Body to examine

revival of 1,300

doctors' contract

KARACHI: A spokesman of the Sindh Health Department said on Tuesday that a committee of senior doctors has been formed to examine the revival of contract of doctors in rural areas.

In a statement on Tuesday, the spokesman asked all the 1,300 plus doctors to contact the committee with proof of their earlier contract and service record in order to get fresh appointment on six months' contract.

The spokesman mentioned that the present government has already decided to give another chance to these persons to clear the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) examination, and to take them on contract for six months to serve in rural areas.

The only delay was because the doctors were insisting that they should also be paid salaries for the period for which they reportedly worked on their own after the expiry of the contracts.

The Health Department was reluctant to do so in view of the fact that no salary is due as contracts were never extended. However, in order to give a fair chance to the doctors to prove their case besides giving them contract, the committee will also examine their cases regarding arrears, if any, and recommend the some to higher authorities if found eligible.

The spokesman said that considerable sympathy is being shown to the 1,300 doctors who want to be taken up on contract.

The fact is that most of them have failed the SPSC examination, which is essential for entry into government service. Political governments had taken them on contract.

It is also a fact that their contracts have not been cancelled by this government but by the previous government, the spokesman added.ÑAPP