Tamil Nadu Health Department to Initiate Doctor Counselling Tomorrow
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Synopsis
Starting tomorrow, the Tamil Nadu Health Department will begin counselling for doctors selected for government service, with 2,642 doctors expected to receive appointments. The selection followed an online examination, and the counselling will allow doctors to choose their preferred postings.
Key Takeaways
- 2,642 doctors to receive appointment letters.
- Counselling process ends on February 15.
- Merit points awarded for service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Protests highlighted the need for more medical professionals.
- Increased doctor presence aims to tackle dengue cases.
Chennai, Feb 11 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Health Department is set to initiate counselling for doctors chosen for government service positions starting tomorrow.
The State Health Minister Ma Subramanian revealed that 2,642 doctors will receive their appointment letters right after the counselling concludes.
The selection process was based on an online examination organized by Tata Consultancy on January 5, attracting around 24,000 doctors.
As per the minister, the assessment process is finalized, and merit points have been allocated to those who contributed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Doctors who worked for two years earned five points, those who served for 18 months gained three points, while those who worked for a year received two points.
The counselling, which wraps up on February 15, enables doctors to select their preferred placements.
Subramanian pointed out that last year, 1,021 doctors were appointed to various government hospitals (GHs) throughout Tamil Nadu. These doctors, concluding their one-year term on February 15, will now take part in counselling to select their next assignments.
"These appointments will guarantee that all government hospitals in Tamil Nadu are adequately staffed, hence fortifying the state’s healthcare framework," the minister remarked.
This development arises amidst worries regarding a shortage of doctors in the state, particularly as Tamil Nadu continues to confront widespread diseases like dengue.
Protests have erupted in various regions due to insufficient medical personnel, leading the Health Department to conduct the competitive recruitment examination.
In 2024, Tamil Nadu recorded 26,740 dengue cases and 13 related fatalities, according to data from the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. This marks the highest number of dengue cases reported in the state since 2012, surpassing the previous record of 23,294 cases and 65 deaths in 2017.
Nonetheless, despite the spike in cases last year, the mortality rate remained relatively low. Public health officials attributed the increase in dengue cases to enhanced surveillance, expanded testing, and the inclusion of more private hospitals in the daily reporting system.
The increase in the number of doctors across the state is anticipated to aid in the early identification and prevention of such infectious diseases, especially during the monsoon season when infections peak.
