India, March 29 -- To keep healthcare services running smoothly, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) standing committee approved a one-year contract extension for 230 specialist doctors on Friday.

According to civic officials, private practitioners are reluctant to join municipal hospitals because the pay offered is lower than in the private sector, making it difficult to fill key specialist posts.

To address the problem, the civic body has granted a one-year extension to specialists who were earlier appointed on 11-month contracts.

The administration has completed the formalities for extending the appointments of over 167 specialist doctors. All appointed doctors hold postgraduate degrees such as Doctor of Medicine (MD) ...