Tamil Nadu Govt Doctors urge WHO intervention over Staffing crisis, pay disparities

The committee pointed out that the MBBS doctors are paid the lowest salaries in the country. In a formal communication addressed to the global health body, the LCC highlighted that the State’s public healthcare system is grappling with a scarcity. The committee also stated that many government hospitals are functioning with insufficient personnel, placing an overwhelming workload on the existing doctors and jeopardising patient care.

Talking to Medical Dialogues, Dr. S. Perumal Pillai, President of LCC, stated, "Already we have represented to NMC last year. Following that, NMC gave instructions to give salary to doctors, on par with AIIMS all over the country. But the TN Govt didn't follow that. That's why we have approached WHO, the topmost authority for health in the World, Madam. Our next move is to start 'Foot path yathra' from Salem Mettur to Chennai on coming June 11th."

In a letter written to Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, the WHO Representative in India, the committee stated, “As per the advice of the World Health Organization (WHO), we have significantly reduced the health indicators MMR and IMR. In particular, we have achieved the target set by WHO for 2030 to reduce the maternal mortality rate 10 years ahead of schedule, and have achieved a record. We have currently reduced the maternal mortality rate in Tamil Nadu to 39 per lakh. Doctors are working diligently to reduce mortality further. As per WHO's advice, we are providing excellent services at primary health centres. That too, we are positioning Tamil Nadu as the first state in rural health services.”

LCC pointed out that doctors, nurses, and medical staff have not been appointed in government hospitals according to the number of patients. Due to this, not only doctors but also the public are affected. “We believe that the WHO will definitely not allow life-saving doctors to continue to fight for their salaries. How is it fair that MBBS, specialty, and super specialty doctors are paid Rs. 40,000 less than the salary paid to MBBS doctors in other states? Moreover, even after the Madras High Court itself expressed its regret that the salary of government doctors is lower than the salary of a court clerk, the government did not relent,” the association added.

Dr. S. Perumal Pillai stated, “Tamil Nadu is a role model when it comes to healthcare. As far as the maternal mortality rate is concerned, we are already 10 years ahead of schedule and have achieved a record. Tamil Nadu has the highest number of government doctors dying at a young age. “

He further added, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, developed countries like America and England struggled to control the infection. During the COVID pandemic, we reduced the death toll significantly and quickly controlled the spread of the infection. It is a sad fact that government doctors, who are trying to extend the life span of the people, are continuously shortening their own life span. The average life span of people is 69-72, while the life span of doctors is 55-59. But we are paid the lowest salary in the country.”

The committee has requested WHO intervene immediately and urge the government to create a sufficient number of doctors and nurses in government hospitals in Tamil Nadu. They also demanded that adequate salaries (as per Government Order 354 or equivalent to the Central Government) should be provided to government doctors.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the National Task Force of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has recommended implementing a uniform pay scale structure and retirement policy for all the medicos, including interns, postgraduate students, super-specialty students, and medical college teachers. However, the committee mentioned that even after the National Medical Commission insisted that state government doctors should be paid at par with AIIMS / central institute doctors, the state government of Tamil Nadu did not implement it. Similarly, even after the Madras High Court ordered the government to fulfill the salary demand of government doctors as per Government Order 354, the government did not fulfil the demand.