NEWS LETTER Jan’ 2008

TAMILNADU GOVERNMENT DOCTORS’ ASSOCIATION

Recognised by the Govt. of Tamilnadu vide Public Department G.O. Ms No 1980 dated 7.10.1969

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Communication Address: 208, Govt. Rajaji Hospital, Madurai.

Web: www.tngda.net mail. secretary@tngda.net

Office Bearers
State President Dr S.Kanagasabapathy, Thanjavur		**********		State Secretary Dr K.Senthil, Madurai
State Treasurers:
	Dr Jeyakumar Vellore		Dr Prakash Karath Ramanathapuram
Vice-Presidents: 1. Dr A.Arulsamy, Sivagangai 2. Dr A.Liakath Ali, Nagapattinam			Joint –Secretaries: 1. Dr Elango, Villupuram 2. Dr M.K.Ponnuraj Krishnagiri
	Headquarters Secretary: Dr Palani, Chennai		Editor: Dr S.Somasundaram, Virudhunagar

NEWS LETTER Jan’ 2008

TNGDA State EC Meeting

The quarterly state EC Meeting of the TNGDA will be held at Kallakurichi in Villupuram district on 3^rd Feb 2008. All the Executive Committee Members of the association will attend the meeting. The Organising committee of TNGDA, Villupuram has consented to host the meeting. Apart from many existing unfulfilled resolutions, many new issues are to be discussed in the meeting. As decision on pay revision and rectification is expected to be taken in the meeting, the meeting assumes great importance.

HOT NEWS

There were large number of violations in both promotion and transfers in DMS and DME side. The transfer orders in DMS side have become so regular inspite of our opposition. In DME side after a lull, suddenly many orders were issued making a mockery of the counseling process. Even promotions – for 5 persons were given without counseling. Juniors were given promotion overlooking the seniors in 2 occasions. The TNGDA expressed its opposition to the govt., press and the Honorable CM, HM.

TNGDA after threatening to go in for direct action, the govt. invited the association for talks. The talks were held with the Health Minister and he has assured to cancel most of the disputed transfers. The second round of talks on the issue will be held on 5^th Feb @ Chennai by the Health Secretary.

10 (a) 1 doctors

TNPSC special exams to regularize 10 (a) 1 doctors were held on 30^th Dec 2007. No application was rejected. The HM and HS accepted the TNGDA’s request to allow all those who finish 3 years as on 31.3.2008 including the contract period for PG exams.

But due to administrative problems, the eligibility for those who were yet to be regularized (who wrote special TNPSC) is still to be cleared. But G.O. facilitating inclusion of contract period for PG eligibility will be issued before 6^th Feb. Active steps to get all who are waiting for the special TNPSC results to write the PG exams are being taken. Hope TNGDA will succeed in letting them write in atleast in Non-Service quota.

IMPORTANT EVENTS

TNGDA – Government Talks:

The TNGDA had detailed talks with the govt. on 28^th December, 2007. Health Secretary, all the Directors were present in the talks. All the 68 resolutions of the state GB and some more issues were given as 54 demands. All the 54 demands were discussed in detail. Many of them, about 40 of them were considered favorably.

More importantly the HS and the Directors were sensitized of the issues in Medical Service and many of the issues were the work of the directorates.

850 Posts Sanctioned:

The govt. has sanctioned about 850 new posts of Asst. Surgeons for DMS side. The long pending demand of TNGDA was fulfilled. Thanks to the government. Govt. has also promised to constitute a committee to further steps streamline the doctors’ requirement of individual GHs. Still 500 more new posts are needed as per TNGDA estimate.

TNGDA also insist proportionate (25 %) SCS posts to be created for all new assistant posts created.

In DME side Existing colleges: TNGDA insists 500 new posts for existing colleges Asst. Surgeons in general category + 200 posts for speciality category + proportionate Reader posts. In addition other posts for treatment purposes – related to the OP patuents and beds strength will be about 500.

New colleges: each 150 assts and 50 Readers (for 3 new colleges 450 +150 posts needed)

TNGDA to Felicitate CM:

TNGDA has asked for consent and appointment for fixing dates for feliciting the Honourable CM. TNGDA thanks him for:

· Restoring all the rights and benefits of the govt. servants.

· Many new posts – New Medical colleges, CEMONC, HSP, Upgraded PHCs, Outreach and mobile doctors were created.

· Never before in Tamilnadu Medical Service was the doctors’ position more comfortable.

· Nurses and paramedical position were improved.

· The contract workers were replaced by regular workers.

Date yet to be fixed. Request is pending at CM office. The function is to be held at Chennai. All the districts will give their active support.

Special Committee for Pay Revision:

TNGDA has requested the Hon’ble CM to set up of a Special Committee for fixing up pay and allowances for the doctors. The TNGDA has prepared detailed presentations comparing the doctors’ salary in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and other central inistitutions. The duty timings and promotion opportunities in other states were compared. Ours is the worst in all aspects both in education and in health service side.

Andhra type Ordinance:

TNGDA has represented to the government for similar ordinance and the Health Secretary has assured to favorably recommend for the same in TN. The TNGDA and IMA has jointly met the Hon’ble Health Minister and sought Andhra type ordinance in TN also.

Counseling:

The TNGDA has already held discussions with the govt. TNGDA requested fixed dates. But govt. accepted fixed months. Twice a year transfers- Feb and August for Asst. Surgeons and once a year for SCS and Readers in Feb. Promotion – once a year in February for SCS and Readers.

A High Level Committee:

Govt. has agreed to constitute a high level committee to work out:

1. Doctors’ Requirement in DMS side

2. Duty Timings in GH and PHC

3. Paramedical Requirement in GH and PHC

TNGDA will present a detailed proposal in this regard to the committee. TNGDA has prepared detailed proposal for doctors’ requirement in DMS side. Various types of GH-s were taken into account. The requirement was categorized as specialists and non-specialists. GHs with more than 150 beds should have 5 casualty medical officers for casualty duty.

TNGDA will also present a detailed proposal for Paramedical requirement for PHC/ GH as per norms. The supportive staff requirement has been worked out as per nursing, pharmacy council norms.

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Achievements of TNGDA in last three months

10 (a) 1 doctors 10 a 1 regularisation special exams were held on 30th Dec 2007. No application was rejected. The HM and HS accepted the TNGDA’s request to allow all those who finish 3 years as on 31.3.2008 including the contract period for PG exams. But due to administrative problems, the eligibility for those who were yet to be regularized (who wrote special TNPSC) is still to be cleared. But G.O. facilitating inclusion of contract period for PG eligibility will be issued before 6th Feb. Active steps to get all who are waiting for the special TNPSC results to write the PG exams are being taken. Hope TNGDA will succeed in letting them write in atleast in Non-Service quota.

Medico-Legal cases in PHCs TNGDA protest: Starting of ML Cases in upgraded PHCs – Deferred until further orders

Collector Meetings HS circular to all collectors. Not to hold review meetings after 5 PM.

300 BMO posts SCS/ BMO 300 posts. – After fierce argument the limited promotion opportunities of MBBS doctors retained. Govt. accepts to show all these posts in next counseling.

Medical Code Medical code – is being updated since the first issue. 3 Doctors were included in the committee on TNGDA’s request.

Re-designation: Associate Professor re-designation done. G.O. delegating powers to DME to re-designate CIVIL SURGEONS with teaching experience as READERS issued. Deans to send list of eligible candidates to DME perusing the SR. List from many Medical College is still pending. (Respective district office bearers to pressurize Deans to send the list )

POSITIVE TRENDS

SNo	Issues	Position in scale of 10
1	1 day strike period regularization. Essential comments from DMS and DPH obtained. Proposal in circulation at govt. Expected to be sanctioned shortly.	7
2	PG strike for 15 days: in circulation. Almost over. Orders expected shortly.	8
3	Special CL to attend conferences – Govt. accepts our demand. Directs DME to send proposal.	6
4	Inter university examiner ship – “on duty”. Govt. accepts our demand. Directs DME to send proposal.	6
5	Patient welfare society. – BMO/ CMO/ JD to be chairmen. Govt. accepts our demand. Govt. letter to be released soon.	7
6	Govt. accepts: PG Degree as specialist after 10 years & Diploma as specialists – 15 years of service. (irrespective of their PG period)	7

IMPORTANT ISSUES STILL PENDING

SNo	Issues	Position in scale of 10
1	Seniority for Panchayat Union doctors. – DPH filed petition to vacate the stay. TNGDA to implead in the issue.	5
2	Special TNPSC for CEMONC, HSP, PG posted on bonds. Govt. accepts TNGDA request.	5
3	OCA: Detailed clarification from govt. to be obtained. Till such time recovery will be stopped.	4
4	Circular from DPH to post accountant in NRHM funds in all block PHCs.	4

Recent Association Activities:

· The Family Security Scheme started by TNGDA Karur is to be modified and given a new face. Members to be enrolled. The new office bearers to be nominated in the State EC.

· The Membership list of TNGDA being updated. Various district office bearers to speed up the process.

· New Life-Membership registration drives to be undertaken. – about 1500 still left. Drive between Feb 3^rd to Feb 28^th 2008. Decision to enroll Non-Service PGs appointed in service to be taken.

· TNGDA Building: the building for TNGDA is to be started in 2008

· Website: New G.O. s added up. News up-date being done regularly. FAQs to be started soon.

· Quarterly Newsletter – 4 pages started.

Important Dues:

· Trichy TNGDA: Congrats to Dr. Selvapandian and Dr. Mohandoss for being elected as the President and Secretary, in the recent elections.

· The elections to the posts of Vice president, Secretary and Treasurer of Namakkal district is to be held by Feb. 15^th 2008.

Unity is strength

(For private circulation only. Please circulate among TNGDA members)