Forensic Medicine Specialists posted at PHCs amid vacant posts at TN Medical Colleges
Tamil Nadu’s Forensic Staffing Crisis
Chennai: Despite over 70 vacant posts in forensic medicine departments at government medical colleges across Tamil Nadu, at least eight doctors with specialist training in forensic medicine are currently posted at primary health centres (PHCs), treating routine ailments like fever and cough instead of performing the medico-legal duties they are trained for.
These doctors, who completed their MD in forensic medicine, were recruited through the 2025 Medical Services Recruitment Board (MRB) exam for assistant surgeons, a post that traditionally requires only an MBBS qualification.
Due to the absence of a dedicated recruitment pathway for specialists, these doctors had no option but to apply through general-category openings. As a result, they were posted under the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine to rural and semi-urban PHCs.
At PHCs, these MD-qualified forensic experts are primarily treating general outpatient cases, conducting antenatal check-ups, and participating in school health screenings — duties typically handled by general practitioners.
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Several months ago, specialists, including obstetrician-gynaecologists, paediatricians, and anaesthetists—originally recruited through the MRB and assigned to Primary Health Centres (PHCs)—were transferred to government hospitals under the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services (DMS).
Speaking to the Hindu, another doctor said, “Even last week, some general medicine and general surgery doctors were moved to DMS institutions through counselling. Nearly 350 doctors have been transferred, but we were left out despite repeated appeals to be posted to medical college hospitals.”
According to official data, there are 265 sanctioned posts in forensic medicine departments across government medical colleges in Tamil Nadu. Of these, over 70 posts remain vacant, even as the need for skilled medico-legal professionals continues to grow.
While 20 in-service forensic doctors are expected to join in October, many posts will still be left unfilled, doctors said.
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Health officials said they are examining batch-wise lists and reviewing vacancies. A new batch of in-service doctors is expected to complete their course in October.
