In an attempt to stop doctors from leaving government hospitals and community health centres in poverty zones of Kalahandi, Bolangir and Koraput (KBK) as well as Maoist-affected areas, the Orissa government has decided to double their salary. The state Cabinet, which met Tuesday, decided the state would be divided into four zones depending on accessibility and vulnerability to Maoist violence, with V1 being the least vulnerable and highly accessible and V4 being most vulnerable and least accessible. As per the Cabinet decision, a non-specialist doctor in a V4 zone like Malkangiri and Koraput would get Rs 8,0000 a month, including Rs 4,0000 as incentive. [related-post] Even inaccessible areas in coastal districts would also be put under V4 zone. A specialist doctor in the same zone would get anything between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 1.8 lakh. Those working in the remotest areas will get 100 per cent hike in their salary while the doctors working in the remote and far-off tribal areas will get additional Rs 40,000 apart from their salary.
