Pune: Ambulance drivers and contractual employees serving in the primary hospitals of Pune district have found themselves in a dire situation as they await their salaries, which have been pending for an unsettling period of over three months. The prolonged delay has left many of these dedicated workers struggling to meet their basic needs. The heart of the issue appears to be a shortage of funds, as officials from the district administration point to the state government’s financial constraints as the underlying cause.
In a concerning turn of events, a significant number of contractual employees, including ambulance drivers, have been grappling with the non-payment of their salaries for as long as five months. These essential workers, who form the backbone of the healthcare system, have voiced their frustration and distress over their current financial predicament. The issue further extends to contract workers employed in primary health centers, encompassing vital roles such as lab technicians, pharmacists, and attendants, all of whom are also experiencing a similar salary deficit spanning five months.
An insider from the health department revealed that a dedicated provision of Rs 2 Crore has been proposed to address the pressing matter of pending salaries for ambulance drivers and contractual employees. The delay in salary disbursement has been primarily attributed to a scarcity of funds within the system. It is notable that some contractors, in a commendable display of responsibility, have been shouldering the burden of paying their employees from their own pockets for the past three months.
The situation underscores the importance of ensuring the timely disbursement of salaries to healthcare workers who are at the forefront of delivering vital services to the community. These individuals play an indispensable role in maintaining the healthcare infrastructure, especially during times of crisis. A delay in their salaries not only impacts their personal livelihoods but also has the potential to disrupt the efficiency and morale of the entire healthcare system.
The current predicament emphasizes the need for streamlined financial mechanisms that prioritize the timely payment of salaries to those who dedicate themselves to public service. The state government, in collaboration with relevant authorities, must address the root causes of these financial constraints to prevent such situations from arising in the future. Ensuring that the individuals who tirelessly contribute to the well-being of the community receive their due compensation is an essential step towards upholding the integrity of the healthcare sector.
