Chennai: As doctors affiliated to Federation of Government Doctors’ Association (FOGDA) entered seventh day of strike today, the Tamilnadu government initiated action by issuing transfer orders to 500 of them.
A warning of declaring the protestors’ seats vacant has also been issued, even as Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami asking them to get back to work without any further delay.
”While five fasting doctors were admitted to the ICU of Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH), three more (including two women) started indefinite hunger strike from this morning,” said FOGDA convenor Dr C Sundaresan.
The protestors said they are keen to continue with the indefinite strike until the government meets their demands and the CM gives an audience to them.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Salem, Palaniswami appealed to the protestors to consider the situation of the underprivileged people and withdraw the strike.
”The government spends Rs 1.24 crore to create one physician and they are respected like a God, they should think and get back to work. The Health Minister has promised to consider the demands,” he said.
A break in notice regarding the transfer has been sent to the medicos, including Dean of a government hospital, assistant professors and doctors.
At a press meet last night, State Health Minister, C Vijaya Baskar stated that the posts of more than 4,000 doctors would be replaced through fresh recruitment or internal transfers.
”We were patient for the strike to end. FOGDA is not recognised by the government but the doctors of TNGDA withdrew the strike after the meeting. The healthcare services offered should not be hindered,” he said.
Vijaya Baskar also mentioned that nearly 5,483 doctors are awaiting posting orders and has issued directions to fill the vacant posts with them if the protests continue.