CHENNAI: State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ma Subramanian on Saturday squarely blamed the erstwhile AIADMK regime for the recurring unrest among nurses, asserting that the controversial contractual nursing system was introduced during the tenure of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.
Addressing reporters after inaugurating a special medical camp near the Karaneeswarar Temple in Saidapet, the Minister said the present government had inherited systemic issues created by the previous regime but had since taken decisive steps to stabilise the healthcare workforce. “There are virtually no vacant nursing posts today. Only 169 vacancies remain, and all necessary steps to fill them will be completed within two days,” he said.
Taking a swipe at opposition leaders, including AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, the Minister said it was ironic for those responsible for introducing contractual appointments to now issue statements on nurses’ welfare. “The root cause of this issue lies entirely with the AIADMK,” he asserted.
Refuting claims of an ongoing nurses’ strike, Subramanian clarified that the protest had already been called off following detailed discussions held on Friday. “Saying that the strike is continuing may reflect wishful thinking. Talks were held at length, and while a few demands are reasonable and will be addressed, one particular demand cannot be accepted,” he noted.
The Minister highlighted that since the DMK government assumed office, as many as 3,783 contractual nurses have been regularised. In addition, appointment orders have been issued to 3,614 nurses, and 1,200 new nursing posts have been created to strengthen the public healthcare system. He stressed that demands to fill posts that no longer exist under the contractual framework were untenable.
Subramanian also underlined the State’s broader public health initiatives, citing the Chief Minister’s flagship outreach programme, Nalam Kaakkum Stalin. Under the scheme, health camps are being organised at the rate of three per zone, offering not just medicines but comprehensive medical examinations. “As of today, over 11.42 lakh people have benefited from this initiative, with around 45 camps being held across Chennai and other parts of the State,” he added.