Tamil Nadu govt doctors go on indefinite strike

Chennai: The medical services in the state took a severe hit on Friday with over 17,000 government doctors going on an indefinite strike demanding implementation of DACP (Dynamic Assured Career Progression).

Five doctors — Dr Perumal Pillai, Dr Rama, Dr Suresh, Dr Bala Manikandan and Dr Neer Ali – have also reportedly undertaken a fast unto death at the Madras Medical College.

The strike comes at a time when the dengue cases in Tamil Nadu are on the rise.

In an interview with Deccan Chronicle, Dr Lakshmi Narasiman, Convenor, FOGDA informed, “Officials from the health department, including the health secretary Dr Beela Rajesh, have reached out and requested us to call off the strike. They assured us that the health department is making due progress. But we've been receiving the same answer for the past two years.”

 Expressing their disappointment in the state health department, he asks, “On August 27, the health minister gave us a written assurance that our demands would be met within a six-week period. Where is he now? The government has not kept its promise. “

The doctors have now sought the intervention of the Chief Minister. “We have given up all our hopes on the health department. We have been led to believe that they are incapable of helping us. We want the CM to intervene,” said Dr. Lakshmi Narasiman.

The doctors also allege that the government has been dodging this issue for long and has not been able to take a firm stand. “If they think we do not deserve the pay hike, they should atleast be able to tell that,” he says.

With nearly 4,000 people being treated for dengue in the state, questioning whether going on an indefinite strike is an ethical decision, he justifies, “We have nothing against the common people. It is our duty to treat them. We do not want to put up an endless fight. We only hope the government is able to arrive at a solution at the earliest, keeping the people’s interest in mind.” The doctors also added that all emergency surgeries are being attended to.

Meanwhile, DMK President M.K.Stalin has urged the Tamil Nadu government to hold talks with the striking doctors and find a solution. In a statement issued here Stalin said despite giving a written representation by the doctors, the government has not acted. Condemning Chief minister Edappadi K.Palaniswami for forcing the government doctors to go on strike,
he appealed to the doctors not to resort to strikes at such crucial times.