Lt Governor orders immediate reassignment of doctors posted in Karaikal but working in Puducherry

Puducherry: In an effort to improve healthcare services in the Karaikal region, Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan has announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening the Karaikal Government Hospital. During a consultation meeting held at Raj Nivas on Tuesday, several key proposals were discussed to enhance the hospital’s efficiency, services, and infrastructure.

A major decision made during the meeting was the immediate relocation of doctors, nurses, and medical staff currently posted in Karaikal but working in Puducherry under "service placement." According to the news reports, this decision comes in response to the ongoing vacancy issues at Karaikal GH, which has faced challenges in maintaining a full complement of medical staff. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that restoring the assigned medical workforce to Karaikal would significantly improve healthcare services in the region.

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Furthermore, Mr. Kailashnathan to increase the number of healthcare professionals in government institutions also proposed that postgraduate medical students benefiting from government financial aid should be required to serve in government hospitals for one year after completing their studies. Following this mandatory service period, they could be offered contract-based employment in government medical institutions.

According to the Hindu, Mr Kailashnathan instructed officials to expedite the approval and contract processes for the proposed Intensive Care Unit (ICU), AYUSH hospital, and outpatient facilities under the Central government scheme. To improve medical services, he recommended collaboration between Karaikal Government Hospital and JIPMER-Karaikal. Additionally, he suggested that corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds could be utilised to improve hospital infrastructure.

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Recognizing the importance of maintaining high-quality healthcare services, Mr. Kailashnathan emphasized the need for regular maintenance of medical equipment at Karaikal Government Hospital. He advised officials to implement an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) for medical equipment. He also instructed that repairs to the hospital’s roofs, walls, and toilets be completed before the onset of the monsoon season. Highlighting the significance of public trust in healthcare, he stressed the need to improve the quality of service at the hospital.

The consultation meeting was attended by several key officials, including Secretary to the L-G, D Manikandan, Health Secretary Jayantha Kumar Ray, former Health Secretary Muthamma, Director of Health Dr Ravichandran, Medical Superintendents of Puducherry Government General Hospital, Dr Sevvel, and Karaikal General Hospital, Dr Kannagi, among others.