Maternity penalty: Female PG medical doctors forced to pay Rs 15,000 to rejoin courses in Telangana

Women PG medical doctors in Telangana have alleged unfair and inconsistent maternity leave practices, including a Rs 15,000 rejoining fee, delayed permissions, denial of stipends and restrictions on leave. TSRDA has urged the State government and health authorities to address the issues urgently

Hyderabad: In a distressing development, female Post Graduate (PG) medical doctors working in government and private hospitals in Telangana on Thursday raised their voice against the systematic lack of support and a series of punitive hurdles they face when utilising maternity leave.

The women PG medical doctors said they are being subjected to confusing protocols and financial distress, forcing them to choose between motherhood and their medical careers.

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On behalf of the women PG doctors, the Telangana Senior Resident Doctors Association (TSRDA) has officially submitted a memorandum to the State government, Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS) and the Director of Medical Education (DME), urging them to take immediate action.

“There are no clear, university-wide guidelines for maternity leave, leading to inconsistent and often unfair practices. After completing the mandatory three-month maternity leave, female postgraduates are compelled to pay a non-waivable rejoining fee of Rs 15,000 to their courses,” the TSRDA said.

After making the payment, the women PG doctors must endure a protracted waiting period, often more than a month, to secure formal rejoining permission from the university. During this waiting time, they are often denied access to departmental facilities, effectively stalling their training.

“Female PGs are not permitted to take casual leave during the extension period, even in medical emergencies or for child health issues, despite having available leave balances. During the extension period post-maternity leave, students do not receive stipends. Even after completing the extension, stipends are delayed by four to five months, causing severe financial hardship and adversely affecting maternal and child health,” the women PG doctors said.

Members of the TSRDA have urged the State government and health authorities to address these issues at the earliest. “Women PGs must be provided support promptly and without delay,” the TSRDA said.