Maharashtra cancels 500 doctor appointments as specialists fail to show up; low pay, poor infrastructure blamed

Despite repeated recruitment efforts, public hospitals continue to struggle with vacancies, particularly in rural and tribal areas. The reluctance of doctors to join government service highlights deeper structural issues. “Many selected candidates hesitate to join due to the heavy workload, inadequate infrastructure, and lower salaries compared to private hospitals,” said a senior health department official.

Medical associations argue that poor service conditions further deter doctors. Many government hospitals lack essential equipment and support staff, making it difficult for specialists to function effectively. “Without proper working conditions, how can we provide quality care?” said a doctor who declined his appointment.

The Maharashtra government had issued a recruitment advertisement for Medical Officers (Group-A) on January 31, 2024, to address the shortage of specialists in public hospitals. Following the selection process, appointment orders were sent out on June 20, 2024, with candidates expected to join within the stipulated timeframe.

Salary disparities are another major factor. In Maharashtra, Medical Officers (Group-A) earn between Rs 56,100 and Rs 1,77,500 per month, averaging Rs 95,935. In contrast, private specialists earn around Rs 1.53 lakh per month, making private practice a more lucrative option.

The lengthy government recruitment process also contributes to the problem. “By the time appointment letters were issued, many of us had already joined private hospitals,” said a candidate who opted out.

The mass cancellation of appointments has raised concerns about patient care, particularly in district hospitals already struggling with staff shortages. The government now plans to fill these vacancies from the waiting list to keep critical departments such as emergency care, gynaecology, and anaesthesia functional. “Leaving these positions vacant is not an option. The hiring process must be streamlined to avoid such delays,” said a senior official.

Maharashtra has long faced a healthcare staffing crisis. A 2021 survey by Jan Arogya Abhiyan found that 22 out of 38 rural hospitals stopped conducting Caesarean sections due to lack of specialists. Routine surgeries were unavailable in 17 districts. In 2022, state-run medical colleges reported a 46.68% vacancy in senior doctors, increasing workload and delaying treatments.

“Without specialists, rural hospitals turn into referral centres, forcing patients to travel long distances,” said Dr Abhay Shukla, a public health expert. Many doctors refuse rural postings due to poor infrastructure, lack of equipment, and inadequate support staff, further deepening the crisis.

“To retain skilled doctors in government hospitals, Maharashtra must address these systemic issues—offering competitive salaries, better incentives and improved working conditions. Without these changes, vacancies will persist, leaving millions without access to essential healthcare,” said Dr Shukla.

On February 5, the health department, through Order MVAi-2024/Pr. No. 382/Service-3, cancelled over 400 appointments. In two additional orders issued earlier this month, another 60 appointments were revoked for the same reason—doctors failed to report for duty.