Service quota: Medical fraternity on indefinite strike

Joining hands with the Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association, Service Doctors Welfare Association, Government All Doctors Association, Tamil Nadu Medical Officers Association and Service Doctors Post Graduate Association along with Student Council, MMC, are also part of the strike. 

Talking to DT Next, Dr Suresh G, a specialist at the Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital, said, “The recent ruling by the High Court and the Medical Council of India’s amendments has caused a roadblock for government doctors in NEET PG admissions. 

Only a few, who are posted in remote and hilly areas, are eligible for the quota with 10 per cent for each year of service in the government sector, while there are many doctors serving in urban centres and taluk hospitals.” He added that the HC ruling and MCI’s amendments were against the State’s privilege to conduct admissions as per its requirements. 

“We are not asking for any change, but to retain the 50 per cent quota for doctors working in the government sector. If the ruling is implemented, many doctors won’t opt for government service,” he said. 

Sarath Kumar, general secretary, Student Council, Madras Medical College, said that they were hopeful of a resolution from the state. “We have been told that the authorities are trying to arrive at a conclusion in the matter. If nothing concrete happens, we will continue with the agitation,” he said. Over 500 students participated in the agitation held at the MMC on Friday.