There should be women representatives in Tamil Nadu Medical Council: CM told

Chennai: The Service Doctors and Postgraduates Association (SDPGA) has recently urged the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin to ensure that the Tamil Nadu Medical Council (TNMC) has the representation of women.

Referring to the fact that as per the rules, since 1914, the Council used to appoint one woman doctor among the three members of the Council, the association further pointed out how currently all the three members are males.

Urging the Chief Minister to intervene, the association in a Social Media post mentioned, "In the Tamil Nadu Medical Council, since 1914, a rule was followed that one woman doctor should be appointed among the three members appointed by the Tamil Nadu government. But now in the regime of social justice, equality and fraternity all three have been appointed as male doctors. Hon'ble Chief Minister should immediately intervene and order to re-appoint female doctor."

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that TNMC had earlier informed all the doctors in the State about the upcoming election of the State Medical Council in January/February 2023.

Also Read: Tamil Nadu Medical Council Elections: Madras HC issues notice to State, NMC on plea demanding online polls

Announcing about the upcoming election next year, the Council notice stated, "In accordance with the rule 2 in regard to the Elections to the Tamilnadu Medical Council, Chennai under Clause (f) of sub-section (1) of Section 5 of the Madras Medical Registration Act, 1914 (Act IV of 1914) as amended by the Madras Medical Registration (Amendment) Act XVI of 1938, notice is hereby given that an election of Seven members of the Council will have to be held in the month of January / February 2023."

While the elections are scheduled for December 1-18, recently a group of doctors approached the State Health Department and expressed their concern that the upcoming elections would not be conducted in a fair way. Further, the doctors pointed out that while the registrar should be below 60 years of age, the age of the incumbent registrar was more than 60 years.

Considering these allegations about violation of norms in the conduct of Tamil Nadu Medical Council (TNMC) elections 2023, the State Health Department decided to seek an explanation in this regard from the Council.

Meanwhile, recently a Madurai-based government doctor prayed for a direction for staying the Gazette notification on October 19 for holding the election using ballot papers. The doctor requested the court to conduct the polls online under the supervision of a retired High Court Judge.

While considering the plea, the Madras HC bench sought response fro the State Government and the National Medical Commission (NMC) and issued notice to them.

Also Read: Amid Allegations of norms violation in conducting elections, Health Department seeks explanation from TN Medical Council