Assn slams 'forced relocation' of 78 docs to new PHCs

THE inauguration of 50 primary health centres (PHCs) across the state last week has initiated the redeployment of 78 medical officers from existing PHCs to the new ones.

- PEARSON LENEKAR SR @Tiruchy

Pointing out that 40 of them involved inter-district transfers, that too with instructions to join duty "within 12 hours", the doctors' fraternity has condemned the "forced relocations" and has called for the state government to sanction exclusive new posts for the new PHCs instead of weakening the already "stretched centres" through redeployment.

Of the 78 medical officers, the health department has opted to redeploy from 56 existing PHCs situated in rural areas and 22 located in urban areas; several of the doctors have allegedly been transferred without giving them a choice.

Several of them also involved transfers like from Sivakasi to Vellore and Thoothukudi to Krishnagiri, say doctors.