A stark contrast exists in Chennai’s healthcare system as the government appoints 246 assistant engineers to permanent positions while over 3,000 doctor posts remain vacant, leaving crucial healthcare services understaffed. This disparity raises concerns about the quality of healthcare and the career prospects of medical professionals in the state.
On Friday, Chief Minister M K Stalin distributed appointment letters to newly recruited assistant engineers for the water resources department, Tangedco, and metrowater. However, MBBS graduates continue to be hired only on short-term 10-month contracts despite the significant shortage of doctors. This situation significantly impacts medical services, particularly in Greater Chennai Corporation, where 280 health centers serve over 10 lakh people, including those needing dialysis and maternity care.
The majority of these centers rely on ‘temporary’ doctors who receive a consolidated pay of ₹60,000 per month. Since 2013, when the Chennai City Urban Health Mission (CCUHM) was established, doctors are not directly recruited by the GCC, despite 260 permanent posts being available in health centers across the city.
When questioned about the unfilled vacancies, the city health officer, M Jagadeesan, declined to disclose the number of doctors recruited through the Medical Recruitment Board (MRB) over the past decade. He stated that permanent medical officers are still on the GCC’s payroll, while temporary doctors are on the agency payroll funded by NHM grants and state funding. However, temporary positions offer no career growth opportunities for doctors, leading to frequent resignations within two months, creating gaps in patient care.
Doctors recruited to permanent vacancies can progress through the ranks to become zonal health officers, assistant health officers, and even the city health officer. They can also be deployed to government hospitals based on their expertise. In contrast, temporary doctors have no record of their service and are ineligible for the in-service quota in postgraduate medical admissions.
Hema Y, a former UPHC doctor, highlighted the preference of many doctors to work in private hospitals, where they can gain experience alongside experienced professionals. Doctors who can afford it often choose to prepare for PG-NEET rather than accept the GCC’s contract job offer.
MDMK councillor ward 35, S Jeevan, expressed concerns about the functionality of the Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam scheme in his ward, adding that the lack of doctors in UPHCs directly impacts patients. K Kolandasamy, former director of public health, stressed the importance of regular practice for improving UPHC treatment. He emphasized the need for the government to directly recruit doctors to ensure adequate medical care.
Dr G Shanthakumari, standing committee chairman (health), stated that councillors have requested doctor recruitment through MRB and urged the mayor to press the government for permanent doctors. This situation highlights the need for a comprehensive solution to address the doctor shortage and ensure quality healthcare for all citizens of Chennai.
