Tamil Nadu Medical Associations have raised concerns about the mandatory service bond for doctors graduating from government medical colleges in Tamil Nadu. According to the associations, doctors completing post-graduation in various medical fields are required to serve in government facilities for two years
Chennai,02 September(City Times): Tamil Nadu Medical Associations: Tamil Nadu Medical Students Association (TNMSA) and Tamil Nadu Resident Doctors Association (TNRDA) have raised concerns about the mandatory service bond for doctors graduating from government medical colleges in Tamil Nadu. According to the associations, doctors completing post-graduation in various medical fields are required to serve in government facilities for two years, a condition they consider “inherently exploitative” and “defective.”(Tamil Nadu Medical Associations)
Specialization vs. Postings
One of the main points of contention is the placement of post-graduate doctors in fields like orthopaedics, ophthalmology, and surgery at primary healthcare centres (PHCs), where their specialized skills are often underutilized. The associations argue that these non-service post-graduate doctors (NSPGs) should be posted at their parent departments in government hospitals rather than tertiary care centres.(Tamil Nadu Medical Associations)
Unequal Working Conditions
While NSPGs are required to work for two years, their roles and working hours are equivalent to permanent doctors, yet they do not receive the same benefits. The associations are calling for maternity leave with salary for female NSPGs during the bond period. (Tamil Nadu Medical Associations)
Government Response
In response to these concerns, the Service Doctors and Post Graduates Association (SDPGA) met with government officials in August and demanded the abolishment of the bond system for NSPGs. However, the state government has claimed that NSPGs are posted at tertiary care centres due to a lack of vacancies in hospitals, a claim disputed by the associations. (Tamil Nadu Medical Associations)
Overhauling the Healthcare System
The TNMSA and TNRDA have urged the government to assess the patient-doctor ratio and publish a list of vacancies accordingly. They highlight the need for an increase in the number of doctors and infrastructure improvements in the state’s healthcare system. (Tamil Nadu Medical Associations)
Certificate Delays
NSPG doctors have reported significant delays in receiving their certificates, even after completing the bond period. These delays impact their employability and income potential, as they are often considered only MBBS graduates without their post-graduate certificates.
Recognition for Pandemic Service
Doctors who served during the COVID-19 pandemic were promised permanent postings for their contributions but claim that they have not received recognition for their work. They argue that their efforts should be acknowledged, and they should receive incentives similar to MBBS doctors.
The Fight for Equality
The associations also point out disparities in how government-funded education is treated in different fields. Unlike medical students, those in law, arts, science, and engineering are not required to pay back the government for their education. The associations are calling for a revaluation of this system.
Unresolved Issues
These issues are part of a broader struggle for equality and recognition within the medical profession. In 2019, state government doctors protested for the implementation of GO 354, which would bring their pay on par with Central government doctors. While there was support for the protests, the implementation has yet to occur.
The concerns raised by the TNMSA and TNRDA shed light on the challenges faced by post-graduate doctors in Tamil Nadu and the need for reform in the state’s healthcare system.
Unemployment and Delayed Careers
Another pressing issue faced by NSPG doctors is unemployment and delayed career progression. After completing their PG courses, many of these doctors find themselves unemployed for months, primarily due to delays in receiving their certificates. Without their PG certificates, they are often considered only MBBS graduates, which results in lower pay and limited job opportunities.
Private medical colleges, in contrast, provide certificates promptly upon course completion, leaving NSPG doctors at a disadvantage. Furthermore, these doctors have little control over when and where they will be posted, causing uncertainty in their professional lives. This situation affects meritorious individuals who have graduated from government medical colleges, preventing them from earning a livelihood.
The TNMSA and TNRDA argue that if NSPG doctors are not immediately provided with postings after completing their courses, they should be considered senior residents and receive salaries accordingly until the government offers them permanent positions. Additionally, they emphasize the need for prompt issuance of certificates, especially for doctors pursuing super-specialty courses at Central institutes.
