‘Don’t hire retired profs, promote serving doctors’

Government doctors in the State are opposing the appointment of honorary professors in Tamil Nadu Government Medical Colleges as per the orders issued by the Directorate of Medical Education under the state health department.

The Medical Council of India carries out the appointments every year to fill vacancies and the professors are promoted based on work experience and work ability.

But, members of Doctors’ Association for Social Equality said that the association condemns the temporary appointment of honorary professors and doctors in Tamil Nadu Government Medical Colleges instead of promoting the existing associate professors.

“Based on the order issued by the Directorate of Medical Education, a three-member committee was formed at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital and Medical College and the board has granted permission to temporarily hire honorary professors. We, however, condemn this action as many doctors are awaiting promotion. Instead of promoting the current associate professors, hiring retired professors is unacceptable,” said Dr GR Ravindranath, general secretary of the Doctors’ Association for Social Equality.

The Federation of Government Doctors’ Associations had gone on an eight-day strike in October, urging that their demands — which included not to reduce the number of doctors due to MCI regulations — be fulfilled,but in vain.

“The government of Tamil Nadu has transferred experienced professors and associate professors in medical colleges to district hospitals and regional hospitals, while many government doctors are also waiting for promotions,” added Dr Ravindranath.

The association also alleged that the establishment of the Medical Personnel Appointment Commission (MRP), whereby the appointment of directors on the basis of honorable appointments, instead of appointing doctors, leads to corruption, malpractices and discrimination. This kind of move indicates that the government is trying to privatise its medical colleges.