Indefinite strike by 13,000 government doctors from Friday in TN
Posted on: 25/Oct/2019 10:01:46 AM
Beginning from Friday, 25th October 2019, at least 13,000 government doctors of the Federation of the Government Doctors Association would boycott work indefinitely. This would include both OP as well as inpatient treatment barring emergencies.
It must be taken into account that both formal and informal talks with the state health department, over the demand for a salary increase, quota in medical education, the appointment of more doctors etc, have failed. Point to be noted is the federation of 5 associations announced that they don’t have any other option other than going for an indefinite strike.
The staff has been warned by the directors of public health, medical education and medical services that leave would be regarded as unauthorized absence and break in service. Important information collected is allowances on pay would be based on ‘no work no pay’ and this was communicated to the doctors.
According to the director of public health, Dr. Kolandaswamy, there is a fever outbreak and the dengue cases have increased. He spoke about how if the MBBS doctors go on leave then it would take them at least another 2 years to be eligible for PG studies.
Point to be noted is break in the service would lead to delay in the increments and promotions at the medical colleges and at various district headquarters hospitals. The director of public health has asked for daily reports on attendance from deans and heads along with the action taken the report by 9:30 am from Sunday onwards. Circulars have been issued by DME warning the doctors about the consequences of the strike.
As per Dr. A. Ramalingam, Service Doctors and Post Graduates Association, all the outpatient services, surgeries, and inpatient services would not be done until the government settles the issues.
It is important to note that the government doctors would remain on duty in the emergency wards, labor wards, ICU and cath labs for emergency treatments.
