TN Minister downplays DCI notices, says dental college recruitment on track

CHENNAI: Health Minister Ma Subramanian on Tuesday said that the notices issued by the Dental Council of India (DCI) regarding vacancies in government dental colleges were routine and not cause for concern.

Speaking at the Government Dental College and Hospital here after unveiling new infrastructure facilities, the minister clarified that such notices are standard practice.

“The DCI and National Medical Commission (NMC) issue notices regularly to ensure oversight. We respond with valid clarifications and the matter is resolved. It’s part of routine administrative procedure,” he said.

Referring to vacancies in the Cuddalore and Pudukkottai Government Dental Colleges, Subramanian said that 48 Assistant Surgeon (Dental) posts across the State are currently vacant. “Out of 11,720 candidates who wrote the MRB exam, 8,700 have cleared it. The selected candidates have been finalised and appointment orders for all 48 Assistant Surgeons (Dental) and over 400 technicians will be issued soon by CM Stalin,” he added.

Subramanian criticised political leaders, including former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, for “exaggerating a routine matter” and spreading misinformation. “The new Government Dental College buildings, spread over 1.36 lakh sq ft and built at a cost of Rs 261.83 crore, will be inaugurated by the end of September. A women’s hostel and MMC students’ hostel that are under construction are expected to be ready by December. Dental equipment worth Rs 4.31 crore will also be procured to upgrade the facility,” elaborated the Minister.

Responding to the High Court’s stay on the use of CM’s name in government schemes, Subramanian said that the AIADMK had used former CM Jayalalithaa’s name widely. “We’re only continuing a precedent,” he said. “A detailed action-taken report on the kidney issue will be released on August 6 (Wednesday).”