Maternity leave turns costly for PG doctors; doctors body seeks waiver of rejoining fee

Maternity leave turns costly for PG doctors; doctors body seeks waiver of rejoining fee

## Telangana Doctors Advocate for Maternity Leave Reform, Challenging Rejoining Fees

**Hyderabad, Telangana** – The Telangana Senior Residents Doctors Association (TSRDA) is advocating for systemic reforms to maternity leave policies within government medical colleges, specifically targeting the imposition of rejoining fees levied on doctors returning from maternity leave. The association argues that these fees represent an unjust financial burden and highlight broader inadequacies in the support structure for female physicians within the state’s public healthcare system.

The controversy centers around a practice where senior resident doctors, upon returning to their positions after availing themselves of legally mandated maternity leave, are required to pay a fee to formally rejoin their duties. The TSRDA contends that this financial penalty, which can amount to a significant sum depending on the institution and duration of leave, effectively punishes doctors for exercising their right to start a family.

“This practice is not only financially burdensome but also sends a discouraging message to female doctors, suggesting that their career progression is somehow negatively impacted by choosing to have children,” stated a spokesperson for the TSRDA. “It creates a climate of apprehension and potentially forces some doctors to prematurely return to work before they are fully ready, impacting both their well-being and potentially the quality of patient care.”

The TSRDA asserts that the rejoining fee is particularly egregious given the already demanding nature of senior residency, a critical training period for aspiring specialists. Senior residents often work long hours under considerable pressure, contributing significantly to the functioning of government hospitals and medical colleges. The added financial strain of a rejoining fee, the association argues, further exacerbates the challenges faced by these young doctors, especially those who are primary caregivers.

Furthermore, the TSRDA believes the issue of rejoining fees is symptomatic of a wider systemic gap in the support provided to female doctors within the state’s healthcare infrastructure. They point to a lack of adequate childcare facilities within hospitals, limited opportunities for flexible work arrangements, and a general absence of policies that proactively support work-life balance.

The association is actively lobbying the state government and relevant health authorities to address the issue. Their primary demand is the immediate waiver of rejoining fees for doctors returning from maternity leave. However, their advocacy extends beyond this immediate concern, calling for a comprehensive review of existing maternity leave policies and the implementation of measures that foster a more supportive and equitable environment for female doctors.

The TSRDA proposes exploring alternative funding models to cover the administrative costs associated with rejoining, suggesting that these expenses should be absorbed by the institution rather than passed on to individual doctors. They also advocate for the establishment of clear and transparent guidelines regarding maternity leave, ensuring consistency across all government medical colleges in Telangana.

The outcome of this advocacy effort could have significant implications for the future of female doctors in Telangana. By challenging the rejoining fee and advocating for broader systemic reforms, the TSRDA is aiming to create a more supportive and equitable environment that encourages female physicians to thrive in their careers while also fulfilling their personal aspirations. The resolution of this issue will serve as a critical test of the state’s commitment to supporting its female medical professionals and ensuring the continued delivery of quality healthcare to its citizens.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.