Rs 40,000 for Medical Officer Post: Doctor slams TN Govt over low pay scale

Thanjavur: A recent job notification from Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Tuberculosis and Chest Disease Hospital, Sengipatti, has sparked outrage among medical professionals in Tamil Nadu after the hospital has advertised a vacany for Medical Officer post with a monthly lump sum salary of Rs 40,000- despite requiring candidates to have a minimum of 10 years of experience. 

The position is in the tuberculosis ward, and the preference will be for applicants who have specialised training in TB medicine. Apart from demanding a minimum of 10 years of experience, the hospital also called for retired government medical officers to apply for the position. 

The requirement for high experience and the tough nature of the job left a health activist doctor in shock, as he was astonished by the low salary offered by the hospital. He criticised the state government, saying the pay is too low for the experience and what the department requires.

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In Tamil Nadu, a Medical Officer's monthly salary can vary, but generally falls within a range of Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per month. Salaries can fluctuate based on factors like experience, location, and the type of organisation (government or private). However, this job advertisement caught the attention of a doctor who shared the press release on 'X' and slammed the government for it.

The press release issued by the Tamil Nadu government on April 11 stated, "Applications are invited from MBBS graduates who are willing to work as Medical Officer in Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Tuberculosis and Chest Hospital, Sengipatti. Candidates with minimum 10 years of previous experience and retired as Government Medical Officer can apply. Preference will be given to those who have specialized training in Tuberculosis Medicine. ₹40,000/- per month as a lump sum for the post of Medical Officer. 

The applications should be sent to District Collector and Managing Committee Chairman, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Tuberculosis and Chest Disease Hospital, Sengipatti, Thanjavur for receipt by 25.04.2025, Thanjavur District."

Health activist Dr Hussain, who shared the press release on the social media platform 'X' slammed the offer, saying, “Dear TN government, have some shame. Minimum 10 years of experience for ₹40,000? In the TB ward? Dear TN doctors, have some dignity, unite together, stop your fights between yourself and stop this madness."

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