Tamil Nadu doctors urge reduction of mandatory bond service period

The Doctors Association for Social Equality (DASE) has called on the Tamil Nadu government to reduce the mandatory bond service period for non-service postgraduate and super speciality doctors from two years to one year. This request specifically targets the 2021 and 2022 batches, noting that the 2023-24 batch has already received a reduction to one year due to a lack of vacancies.

DASE General Secretary Dr. GR Ravindranath highlighted that a Union government notification allows for the reduction of mandatory service periods based on hospital demand. The association also raised concerns regarding the government's retention of original course certificates, which are only returned upon completion of the bond service.

Additionally, the association urged the government to adhere to a Madras High Court ruling stating that maternity leave taken by women doctors during compulsory service should be counted toward their total service period. DASE also condemned a recent circular from the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine that prohibits staff from criticizing the government, labeling the directive anti-democratic.