Doctors' Association urges CM to grant Govt Job to wife of doctor who died during COVID-19

Chennai: The Legal Coordination Committee for Government Doctors (LCC) has urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to fulfil a longstanding promise and announce a government job for the widow of Dr Vivekanandan, a government doctor who tragically passed away while serving during the COVID-19 pandemic. The appeal comes after a prolonged delay in providing justice and relief to the grieving family, despite previous assurances from the state government.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking that all doctors who have died of COVID-19 be treated at par with martyrs of the armed forces, and their dependents be provided government jobs in accordance with their qualifications.

Also Read: IMA asks Govt job for surviving spouse, dependents of doctors losing lives in COVID fight, writes to PM Modi

Dr. Vivekanandan, who died on January 26, was one of the many healthcare workers who lost their lives while serving on the frontlines of the pandemic. As the leader of the opposition in the previous government, current Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had called on the then administration to provide Rs. 1 crore in relief to the families of government doctors who died while serving during the pandemic. However, LCC president S. Perumal Pillai pointed out that under Stalin's government, no financial relief had been given to the families of deceased doctors.

Dr. Vivekanandan’s widow, along with her children, has repeatedly sought a government job as promised by the Health Minister Ma. Subramanian. Pillai also highlighted an ironic situation where the government has announced jobs for individuals recovering from alcohol addiction, yet no relief or support has been provided to the family of a deceased doctor who sacrificed his life during the pandemic.

Despite the High Court's order to provide a job to the widow, the family has yet to receive justice. During the recent Assembly session, BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan urged the government to provide a job for her.

In response, Health Minister Subramanian claimed that Dr Vivekanandan had two wives and that family disputes were complicating the matter.

Also Read: Covid-19 Death: Delhi CM provides Rs 1 crore assistance to kin of doctor, assures Govt job for spouse

Speaking to The Hindu, Pillai said, “Such a dishonoring baseless statement, along with failure to honor the promise made, has deeply hurt the already grieving family.”

The LCC has now called on the Chief Minister to take immediate action. Additionally, the LCC is also seeking the implementation of pay band 4 at 12 years of service for government doctors, as part of broader efforts to ensure fairness and respect for those working on the front lines.