Andhra Pradesh grants special leave benefits to contract health staff

Contract workers employed in X-ray and radiology departments across Andhra Pradesh's teaching hospitals will now receive 30 days of special leave after completing every 11 months of service, according to guidelines issued by the state health department.

The decision comes in response to longstanding demands from contract staff seeking improved employment conditions and relief from the demanding nature of radiological work. Officials stated that the provision is intended to address chronic staff shortages in these critical departments while providing respite to workers engaged in physically demanding roles.

The special leave benefit applies to eligible contract staff meeting specified criteria set out in the newly released guidelines. The health department has clarified the implementation framework to ensure consistent application across all teaching hospital facilities in the state.

State authorities have indicated that the measure represents a positive step toward improving working conditions in the health sector. The move is expected to enhance staff retention in radiology and X-ray departments, where attrition rates have historically posed challenges to service delivery in Andhra Pradesh's teaching hospitals.

The guidelines outline the eligibility requirements and administrative procedures for availing the special leave benefit, with hospitals directed to implement the policy with immediate effect.