Has the Gujarat Cabinet Increased the Honorarium for Specialist Doctors?
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Synopsis
On June 24, the Gujarat Cabinet approved a significant rise in the honorarium for private specialist doctors under the CM Setu Yojana. This decision aims to enhance healthcare access in rural areas, ensuring fair compensation for dedicated professionals and addressing the pressing shortage of medical specialists.
Key Takeaways
- Honorarium Increase: Private specialists now earn Rs 4,200 per day.
- Super-Specialist Pay Standardization: Surgical and non-surgical specialists receive Rs 8,500 per day.
- Healthcare Access Improvement: Focus on enhancing services in rural areas.
- Government Commitment: Ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery.
- Addressing Doctor Shortages: Aiming to bridge gaps in underserved regions.
Gandhinagar, June 24 (NationPress) The Gujarat Cabinet has sanctioned an increase in the honorarium for private specialist doctors working in public health institutions throughout the state, as part of the CM Setu Yojana.
Spokesperson Minister Rushikesh Patel addressed the media after the Cabinet meeting, revealing that private specialists who dedicate a minimum of three hours daily in district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, and community health centers will now be compensated with Rs 4,200 per day.
This marks a significant rise from the former payments, where paediatricians and general practitioners earned Rs 3,000 per day, while other specialists received Rs 2,000 per day.
Additionally, the cabinet has restructured the honorarium for visiting super-specialist doctors in government medical colleges, GMERS-run facilities, and their associated hospitals.
Previously, non-surgical super specialists earned Rs 8,500 per day for three hours of service, whereas their surgical counterparts were compensated with just Rs 2,700.
With the new ruling, both categories of super specialists will now uniformly get Rs 8,500 daily after fulfilling the minimum service criteria.
This initiative is anticipated to enhance access to specialist healthcare in rural and semi-urban areas of Gujarat, alleviate doctor shortages, and offer equitable remuneration to private practitioners assisting the public health system.
Officials have indicated that this decision showcases the state government's unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare services and infrastructure, particularly in neglected regions.
“This increase in honorarium is more than just a financial update; it’s an acknowledgment of the crucial role these doctors play in reinforcing healthcare outreach,” stated Minister Rushikesh Patel.
According to existing government data, Gujarat boasts over 68,000 registered doctors, encompassing both allopathic and alternative medicine practitioners.
Of this total, around 43,000 are allopathic (MBBS and specialists) registered with the Gujarat Medical Council, while the rest practice AYUSH systems—Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Unani.
Despite this substantial number, doctor distribution is uneven, with most concentrated in urban centers like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot.
Rural and tribal districts are grappling with a notable shortage of medical professionals, particularly specialists.
Point of View
It's imperative to highlight that the Gujarat government's recent decision to increase the honorarium for specialist doctors is a significant step towards improving healthcare accessibility. This initiative not only addresses the pressing need for more medical professionals in underserved regions but also ensures that private practitioners are fairly compensated for their essential services. The focus on both rural and urban healthcare balance reflects a comprehensive approach to health policy.
NationPress
24/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CM Setu Yojana?
The CM Setu Yojana is an initiative by the Gujarat government aimed at improving public health services by engaging private specialist doctors in public health institutions.
How much is the new honorarium for specialist doctors?
Under the new structure, private specialist doctors will receive Rs 4,200 per day for a minimum of three hours of service.
What changes were made to super-specialist doctor payments?
Super-specialist doctors, both surgical and non-surgical, will now receive a uniform payment of Rs 8,500 per day after completing the minimum service requirement.
Why is this increase in honorarium significant?
This increase is significant as it addresses the shortage of specialists in rural areas and recognizes the essential role of private practitioners in the public health system.
How many registered doctors are there in Gujarat?
Gujarat has over 68,000 registered doctors, including both allopathic and alternative medicine practitioners.
