Chennai, June 7: S. Ramdas, the founder of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), has urged the Tamil Nadu government to take immediate and comprehensive measures to strengthen the state’s healthcare infrastructure. He highlighted the long-standing shortage of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff in government hospitals.
In a statement on Sunday, Ramdas noted that while Tamil Nadu’s healthcare infrastructure has expanded significantly over the past decade, the development of resources has not kept pace. Several new hospitals have been established under the Directorate of Medical Services and Medical Education, and existing institutions have been upgraded with new buildings, departments, and medical service programs. However, the number of doctors and other staff has not increased proportionately.
According to Ramdas, despite a significant rise in patient numbers post-COVID-19, there has been a lack of new positions for government doctors since 2015. He pointed out that the number of patients receiving treatment in government hospitals has more than tripled in recent years, putting immense pressure on existing healthcare personnel.
Citing the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS), he stated that Tamil Nadu needs at least double the current number of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff to ensure effective healthcare services.
He mentioned that staffing in several recently established large hospitals, including the Kalaignar Centenary Super Specialty Hospital in Guindy, Periyar Government Hospital in Kolathur, and newly developed hospitals in Vellore and Salem, is being managed by transferring staff from other hospitals rather than creating new positions.
Ramdas also called for a review of Government Order No. 354 and demanded equal pay for state government doctors compared to their central government counterparts. He emphasized that better salaries and career advancement opportunities would enhance the efficiency and morale of medical professionals.
The PMK leader urged the full implementation of 50% reservation for Tamil Nadu government doctors in DM and MCH super-specialty courses, an increase in nursing positions, regularization of contract nurses, and the creation of permanent positions for hospital support staff instead of outsourcing.
He further demanded the expansion of 24-hour X-ray, CT scan, and MRI facilities in district hospitals, prompt appointments of health inspectors, strict quality control over medications and medical supplies, and the establishment of special management committees to oversee infrastructure development and quality assurance.
Ramdas urged the government to prioritize these demands to ensure quality and timely medical care for the people of Tamil Nadu.
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