TN doctors' association opposes conversion of paediatric posts to neonatology in medical colleges
Doctor
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Medical Officers Association (TNMOA) has strongly opposed a proposal by the Directorate of Medical Education to convert seven paediatrics faculty positions in various government medical colleges into an equal number of neonatology posts under the Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care programme.
Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) programs are designed to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by providing 24/7 life-saving services, including C-sections, blood transfusions, and newborn resuscitation.
According to the association, the current government's proposed plan involves withdrawing assistant professor posts in paediatrics from institutions including Government Medical College Hospitals at Tiruvannamalai, Kilpauk, Vellore, Madurai, and Tirunelveli, along with two such posts from Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital in Salem, reports The Indian Express. These paediatricians are proposed to be reassigned as neonatologists to support emergency maternal and newborn care services across medical colleges in the state, a move that TNMOA contends could adversely impact paediatric teaching and services.
In a letter, DME has clarified that, as per the standards of the National Medical Commission, the posts of assistant professors in the speciality of paediatrics are in excess. TNMOA has pointed out that the government has already reduced medical officers at 56 primary health centres, and over 1,000 specialists in the name of redeployment. The association stated that this is against the best interests of the doctors.
The association has requested the Chief Minister to take necessary steps to improve the prevailing situation. The association also stated that this practice of random reduction in workforce needs to be put to an end to ensure the best healthcare service for the public, reports The Daily.
Previously, the association has strongly criticised the state government for redeploying 59 sanctioned posts instead of creating new ones. The association has condemned the Health Department’s decision to redeploy Junior Resident (JR) posts across medical colleges in Tamil Nadu.
