Hyderabad: A solution for the deficiency of teachers in medical colleges is the recruitment of professors and not a age hike, stated the Healthcare Reforms Association in its letter to the government of Telangana state, protesting against the proposal of age hike.
Unemployed doctors of Telanaga state are organiing a Nirudhyoga Sabha on June 18 at the Dharna Chowk to protest against this proposal of government.
The retirement age of medical professors working in teaching hospitals will be increased from 58 to 65 years, according to the government of Telangana state.
The government states that they have had a detailed discussion with all stakeholders and the existing staff crunch in medical colleges can be taken care of by increasing the age of retirement.
The Healthcare Reforms Association, a group of young doctors and specialists state that the age hike proposal will affect young doctors badly as there will not be any recruitment for the next 5 to 10 years in government colleges.
Dr Mahesh Kumar, president of HRA explained, “The government must revoke the order of age hike as it is not in the interest of young doctors. It is only favouring a few senior doctors. The age hike is only a temporary solution. The same situation will arise after seven years and will there be good practising doctors to replace them then? If the government order is issued, young doctors will intensify their protest, carry out dharnas and hunger strike and also opt for legal remedies against the order.”
The non-recruitment of doctors since a decade has led to this situation. Instead of filling the deficiency, HRA alleges that government is opting for short cuts.
Dr G. Srinivas, member of HRA explained, “To ensure that medical education works smoothly, it is important that there are proper recruitments. Assistant professors must be regularly recruited as this is the first step. Timely promotions and proper implementation of rules will ensure that there is no deficiency.”
