Tamil Nadu Doctors' Body Criticize Walk-In Interviews for Recruitment of 658 Specialists

The committee has raised concerns that this move, announced by the Health Minister, would create confusion and significantly impact the state's healthcare sector. The vacancy also includes 207 posts for obstetricians.

In a press release, the LCC has emphasized that Tamil Nadu, known for its strong healthcare infrastructure, should adhere to established recruitment procedures, such as those followed by the Medical Services Recruitment Board (MRB), instead of opting for rushed hiring processes through random walk-in interviews. The committee also raised concerns about fairness and transparency, recalling that both doctors and the DMK had opposed similar recruitment methods under the previous administration, reports The Hindu.

To prevent disruptions in the careers of existing government doctors pursuing higher education, the LCC has suggested that recruits be appointed to supernumerary positions under the Directorate of Medical Services and the Directorate of Public Health. The committee has also urged the government to prioritize experienced doctors, particularly those who have served in Primary Health Centres for two to three years, in specialist appointments. LCC has called on the government to reconsider its approach and adopt a structured, transparent hiring process instead of walk-in interviews. The recruitment process in Tamil Nadu has been under the scrutinizing gaze of the doctors since last year.

Last year doctors, who previously qualified MRB examination held to recruit assistant surgeons for 1,021 posts, were upset with the recruitment notification issued by the Medical Services Recruitment Board (MRB) inviting applications for 2,553 vacant posts of assistant surgeons temporarily in the Tamil Nadu Medical Service. Shocked over the new recruitment notification, they demanded that candidates who had qualified should be considered to fill the vacant posts instead of holding a new examination.