In a significant move aimed at supporting its forensic medical workforce, the Odisha government has announced a substantial hike in the autopsy allowance provided to its medical officers. The decision, which came into effect on Friday, directly benefits the officers of the Odisha Medical Health Service (OMHS) cadre.
Key Details of the Revised Allowance
The health and family welfare department officially communicated the revision, marking a 100% increase in the financial compensation for conducting post-mortem examinations. Previously, medical officers received an allowance of Rs 500 per autopsy case. This amount has now been doubled to Rs 1,000 per case.
This revision is not merely a financial update but comes with a strict procedural mandate to ensure transparency and proper documentation. The official communication explicitly stated that it is now mandatory for medical officers to mention the relevant police case number while submitting their claims for this allowance. This step is expected to streamline the process and maintain a clear audit trail linking forensic work to specific legal investigations.
Approval and Implementation
The increase did not happen in isolation. The health department secured the necessary administrative and financial approvals before rolling out the new rate. The finance department's formal consent was obtained for this enhancement, as confirmed by the official release. This inter-departmental coordination underscores the government's structured approach to implementing welfare measures for its medical staff.
Implications for Medical Professionals
This decision is poised to have a positive impact on the OMHS cadre officers who perform autopsies, a critical yet demanding aspect of medical and legal procedures. The enhanced allowance serves multiple purposes:
- Financial Recognition: It acknowledges the specialized and sensitive nature of autopsy work.
- Procedural Rigor: The linkage to police case numbers formalizes the claiming process, reducing discrepancies.
- Workforce Motivation: It acts as an incentive for medical officers engaged in essential forensic duties within the state's healthcare system.
The announcement made on Friday sets a new benchmark for compensating forensic medical work in Odisha. By doubling the autopsy allowance and tying it to documented legal cases, the state government aims to support its medical officers while reinforcing the integrity of the medico-legal process.
