Patna: More than 1,000 outsourced healthcare workers, including nurses, registration desk staff and sanitation workers at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), are facing financial hardship due to a delay in salary payments caused by a contractual transition.The problem arose after the tenure of the previous staffing agency ended while the newly selected agency is yet to sign the service agreement. Although the tender process has been completed, the pending agreement has stalled salary payments.Several staff members, requesting anonymity for fear of losing their jobs, said the delay had made it difficult to meet expenses such as food, house rent and travel. They said they continue to report for duty despite not receiving their wages.“We are paid around Rs 12000, which is a small amount. Even one month delay means a lot for people like us who simply meet the basic needs like food and house rent with the money,” said one staff member. The employee added that the previous agency had denied responsibility for payment, while the new agency had said it would begin work only after signing the agreement.IGIMS director Dr Bindey Kumar said the institute tries to ensure staff members do not face payment-related problems. “I will see to it,” he said.Hospital financial adviser Anil Choudhary said the transition required a no-objection certificate for the previous agency before the agreement could be finalised.“Our work is to clear the bill which we are given. Once the bill is given, we will do the required process,” Anil said.
