NEW DELHI – The Telangana Senior Resident Doctors Association (TSRDA) has called for immediate action from the National Commission for Women (NCW). The association seeks intervention regarding Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS) maternity leave policies. Hundreds of female postgraduate (PG) doctors report hardships, including rejoining fees, prolonged administrative delays, financial distress, and denied leave.
TSRDA previously submitted multiple requests to KNRUHS and the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Telangana. Despite these efforts, women PG students continue to face severe financial, administrative, and health challenges. These ongoing issues directly impede their academic progress and overall well-being, the association confirmed.
Policy Shortcomings and Administrative Burden
KNRUHS maternity leave policy mandates a three-month leave period. Upon return, students pay a Rs 15,000 rejoining fee . This fee imposes an unexpected financial burden on new mothers. Following payment, students face administrative delays of 15-20 days, often extending beyond a month, to obtain university permission for rejoining. During this waiting period, access to essential departmental facilities is routinely denied, TSRDA stated.
Communication breakdowns further complicate the process. Colleges often claim the university holds responsibility for student rejoining procedures. University communication can lead to further delays. This lack of clarity results in students being erroneously marked as absentees. These designations can lead to disqualification from examinations, jeopardizing their academic year and careers, the association warned.
Severe Financial Distress
The policy also creates significant financial strain. Students do not receive their stipends during the extension period required after maternity leave. Even after completing the necessary extension, stipends are frequently delayed by four to five months . Postgraduate medical students rely on stipends as their primary income. This is critical during this demanding professional phase. These prolonged delays cause severe financial hardship, directly impacting the health and well-being of both mothers and their infants, TSRDA highlighted.
Denial of Essential Leave
Another critical issue involves the denial of casual leaves. Female doctors are frequently denied casual leaves during their post-maternity extension period. This occurs despite having accrued leave balances. This refusal includes emergencies or medical issues related to maternal or child health, adding stress and professional disadvantage, the association detailed.
TSRDA Demands Concrete Reforms
The doctors’ association demands immediate intervention and the establishment of clear, enforceable protocols. TSRDA outlined specific actions required from KNRUHS and related authorities:
- Establish Transparent Guidelines: KNRUHS must develop and clearly communicate comprehensive rules regarding maternity leave, rejoining procedures, and all associated processes. These guidelines must reach all colleges and students.
- Eliminate Rejoining Fees: Colleges must immediately waive the mandatory Rs 15,000 rejoining fee imposed on female students returning from maternity leave. This fee is an unjust financial penalty.
- Ensure Timely Stipend Payments: Postgraduate students must receive their stipends consistently and without delay during the extension period. This prevents financial distress and supports their families.
- Grant Necessary Casual Leaves: Students must be permitted to take casual leaves during their extension period, particularly for emergencies or medical needs concerning maternal or child health. This ensures support for their well-being.
TSRDA urges prompt implementation of these reforms. The association aims to ensure fair, supportive, and equitable policies for all women postgraduate medical students in Telangana. The NCW’s action is essential to resolve these systemic issues, the association concluded.