CHENNAI: The Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has directed district health officers to avoid scheduling any meetings, including review meetings, outside regular office hours. This decision fulfills one of the long-standing demands of government doctors.
The directive follows Health Department Additional Chief Secretary Supriya Sahu’s assurance to meet the demands of government doctors during discussions with various associations last Thursday. Key demands included filling vacancies in government hospitals and ensuring respect and dignity for doctors and health workers. Subsequently, the Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association (TNGDA) called off their boycott protest on Friday.
On Sunday, Director of Public Health (DPH) Dr. T. S. Selvavinayagam emphasized that meetings, whether in-person or via video conferencing, should not be conducted outside working hours or on holidays, except in extraordinary cases like epidemics or health emergencies. He also advised officials to treat all government employees with civility and respect during meetings.
Dr. Selvavinayagam further instructed officials to enhance safety at primary and sub-health centers and to ensure attendance is recorded through the Face Recognition Attendance System (FRAS 2.0 app). He stressed maintaining transparency in recruitment, promotions, and transfers. Since 2021, the department has facilitated the promotion of nearly 7,000 employees and transferred around 14,000 through open consultation.
Steps are underway to fill 2,553 assistant doctor positions through the Medical Services Recruitment Board (MRB), with a notification already issued. Additionally, efforts are being made to recruit 2,250 village health nurses (VHNs) and 1,060 health inspectors, despite legal hurdles. Dr. Selvavinayagam assured that legal proceedings are being expedited to address these vacancies promptly.
He also reminded employees to uphold the department’s reputation and avoid actions that could bring disrepute to the government.
2,000+ Vacancies to be Filled Soon
The DPH reiterated that efforts are in progress to fill 2,553 assistant doctor positions through the MRB, with recruitment notifications already issued.
