Telangana doctors' bodies seek absorption of eligible in-service doctors as assistant professors

Hyderabad: Two Telangana doctors’ associations have urged the state government to consider absorbing eligible in-service doctors as assistant professors under the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), citing the experience and expertise gained while working in the public healthcare system. 

The demand was jointly raised by the Telangana Gazetted Officers (TGO) Association–Doctors Forum and the Telangana Medical and Public Health Doctors Association (TMPHDA) in a representation submitted to the DME, reports the Times of India.

The associations have sought details of doctors who meet the eligibility criteria from the Director of Public Health and the Telangana Vaidya Vidhana Parishad (TVVP). The proposed exercise would identify serving doctors who could be considered for teaching positions in government medical colleges.

According to the doctors' associations, bringing experienced government doctors into the medical education system would allow medical colleges to benefit from their clinical knowledge and years of service. They said doctors working in public hospitals gain practical experience across different types of cases and healthcare settings, which could also contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate medical training.

In a representation submitted to DME director Dr Rama Devi, the associations sought a list of eligible doctors from the director of public health and the Telangana Vaidya Vidhana Parishad (TVVP), reports TOI. 

The doctors’ bodies have also sought pay protection for those who opt for absorption. They want eligible doctors who move from their existing posts into assistant professor positions to retain their current salary-related benefits and avoid financial disadvantage as a result of the transition.

The proposal is therefore aimed at creating a pathway for serving doctors to move into medical teaching without losing the benefits associated with their present service.

The associations said the DME office responded positively to their representation and assured them of necessary support in examining the proposal and taking the process forward.

The next step is expected to involve identifying eligible in-service doctors and examining the applicable rules and requirements for their absorption into the DME.