PG medicos in Kerala get Rs 55,120 whereas in TN only Rs 48,000 is paid, stipend cannot be increased, says finance department

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The finance department said it is impossible to increase the stipend of PG doctors in the present financial situation of the government. The finance ministry is of the stand that it will look into the matter when the situation improves.

The finance minister had twice sent the file back to the health department. On December 10, the health department had sent the file again to the finance department but a reply was not given. In Kerala, the stipend for first year PG doctors is Rs 55,120. However, in Tamil Nadu, the doctors get only Rs 48,000, the finance ministry pointed.

Meantime, the medicos strike entered its sixth day. The protesters said they are ready for talks only if they get an official notification. Health Minister Veena George has reiterated to end the strike. Although a meeting with Health Minister Veena George was held, a decision could not be taken. Though agreed for high-level official talks, no time or date has been informed.