# 1798
Seeking parity in pay with medical doctors, Veterinarians in Orissa are threatening a work slowdown, and even possibly a strike, unless their demands are met.
Veterinarians not only monitor for bird flu (including conducting culling operations) they are involved in the vaccine production as well.
This from The NewIndPress.
...But, vets warn of drastic action
Wednesday March 19 2008 13:19 IST
ENS
BHUBANESWAR: With the Government conceding the demands of general doctors under the Orissa Medical Service cadre and announcing the revised salary structure, the veterinarians have threatened drastic action if the same is not extended to them.
The veterinarians would withdraw from the bird flu monitoring and prevention activities and stop producing vaccines as a first step before proceeding to close down hospitals if the Government shows indifference.
Currently, over 100 veterinary doctors have been deployed in the areas bordering West Bengal where bird flu has resurfaced. They are engaged in surveillance and prevention measures to ensure that the poultry and animals in Orissa are not affected. Once they withdraw, the situation may take an ugly turn, said Orissa Veterinary Association general secretary Dr Muktikanta Bhuyan.
“We would also halt production at the Orissa Biological Products Ltd, a facility, which produces vaccines for deadly animal diseases like anthrax, haemorrhagic septicemia and black quarter, he added.
The association had urged upon the Government to maintain parity in the salary structure of general doctors and veterinarians when the hike is effected. The Fifth Pay Commission has emphasised equal pay for both the disciplines and almost all states have adhered to the norm.
The State has 1,042 veterinarians but in terms of finances, the burden won’t be much as promotional avenues in the discipline are limited, Bhuyan added.
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