A controversy has erupted at Madras Medical College (MMC) in Chennai after its dean directed all doctors and paramedics to submit their passports for verification of foreign journeys, both authorized and unauthorized. The move has been met with strong opposition from doctors at the college and the Tamil Nadu Government Doctors’ Association, who deem it an unnecessary intrusion into their privacy.
The MMC dean, Dr E Theranirajan, issued a circular on August 2nd, demanding that medical officers, nursing staff, paramedical employees, and other staff submit copies of their passports along with details of their foreign travel, both authorized and unauthorized, by August 7th. Hospital sources indicate that around 250 staff members have complied with the request. However, several doctors who have not submitted their details allege that they have been pressured by superiors to do so. One senior professor at the college questioned the rationale behind the random demand, stating that passport details should only be requested in cases of suspicion, not as a general requirement.
Dr Theranirajan defended the request, stating that it was based on instructions received from the Director of Medical Education (DME), Dr J Sangumani. On June 31st, the deputy director of medical education (admin), K Arumugam, had sent a letter to all heads of medical institutions seeking information about hospital staff with over three years of service, available positions, and unauthorized absences of doctors and paramedical staff. This letter also requested the names of doctors who had traveled abroad with prior government permission and those who had not, along with an action taken report. Dr Theranirajan argued that he could not verify travel details without examining passports.
However, the DME has denied instructing deans to request passport copies. Director J Sangumani clarified that the information was being collected as part of routine administration, at the request of the health secretary, and did not include a demand for passport copies.
The Tamil Nadu Government Doctors’ Association has vehemently protested the move, calling for the DME to drop the verification process. Association president Dr K Senthil described the circular demanding passport copies as unwarranted and emphasized the need for streamlining the process of obtaining government permission for foreign travel. He highlighted the difficulties faced by doctors in securing permission on short notice for attending seminars, conferences, or visiting sick relatives abroad. He pointed out that permission requests must be routed through the DME to the health secretary and minister, further complicating the process. The controversy underscores the ongoing concerns about bureaucratic red tape and the need for open communication and transparency within the medical profession.
