Supreme Court Asks Centre to Ensure Timely Salaries to Doctors and Health Workers

The Supreme Court has expressed displeasure over the delayed salaries of doctors and health workers battling on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic. The Top Court also ordered the Central Government to ensure that doctors and health workers in all states get their salaries on time.

In the affidavit filed by the Central government, it is said that in Delhi, Maharashtra, Punjab and Karnataka, doctors and health workers were not paid on time. The Supreme Court has sought a reply from the Central Government with full information on the issue.

The Supreme Court also said that health workers in Tripura, Punjab, Maharashtra, and Karnataka should be discharged at the right time after duty. Also, salary and allowances should be given at the right time. The next hearing in the case will be held on August 10.

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic has started in the country, doctors and health workers have been battling on many fronts. During the pandemic, around 100 doctors and health workers have died on duty, while there have been hundreds of attacks on them. Doctors and health workers also say that they have to do duty in odd circumstances and governments are not able to give them their salaries on time.