Tamil Nadu: Doctors protest by wearing a demand badge

Its ironical, that while voices have been coming from the medical fraternity, objecting to the 7th Pay commission in many other states in the country, Tamil Nadu is demanding immediate implementation, as the current pay scales related to the State pay commission pay even lower rates than the Centre. In terms of stipend to the PGs as well as interns, Tamil Nadu stands to be one of the least paying states in the country.

A ‘demand badge’ was worn by many doctors serving in government service, including postgraduates, to mark the beginning of their protest for an in-action demand on the of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations.

Members of Service Doctors and Post Graduates Association (SDPGA), in addition demanded two years leave for woman doctors for child care. The doctors association strongly opines that the regular duty hours for woman doctors deprive them of enough time for child care, and hence the concept of a maternity leave should be extended to two years.

The demand badge was worn by doctors on duty at the District Government Headquarters Hospital in Namakkal and Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital.

As reported by Hindu, Members of Service Doctors and Post Graduates Association (SDPGA) demanded implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations, cancellation of the new contributory pension scheme and bring in the old pension scheme that would benefit them, wanted women doctors to be permitted to avail two years leave for child care.

They said that since women doctors are on regular duty, they are unable to take care of their children. The members said that their protest by wearing ‘demand badge’ would continue for the next two days.

Doctors at the District Government Headquarters Hospital in Namakkal also performed their duty by wearing ‘demand badge’.