Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association (TNGDA)

நன்றி நன்றி நன்றி

2009-07-09T00:21:00.000+05:30

TNGDA REPS MEET THE CM Dr.KALAIGNAR 07 07 09

2009-07-07T19:24:00.000+05:30

New rules soon to govern govt doctors, hospitals

2009-07-07T03:22:00.001+05:30

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Chennai/New_rules_soon_to_govern_govt_doctors_hospitals/articleshow/3786289.cms

Doctors in government hospitals will no more be allowed to walk in late or leave home early without recording their ‘in' and ‘out'

time.

The health department is even considering introduction of bio-attendance, where doctors will have to swipe in and out of the hospital with their fingerprints. The system could come into effect by January 2009.

After monitoring doctors' attendance registers in government hospitals across the state, the director of medical education decided to fix work calendars. At least 30% of the doctors, including some senior doctors, were not in the hospital even during out-patient hours, though most of them were signed in.

"We allow all doctors working in government hospitals to continue with their private practice. But nothing should come in way of their work here when they are supposed to be here. While most doctors sign in, we don't even know when they sign out. We understand the demand for them is high even in the private sector, but there has to be a system in place," said director of medical education Dr S Vinayagam.

Schedules for every doctor, finalised during department meetings, will require them to prepare for research projects, guide medicos and fill online forms for drug, antibiotic, death, infections, ethical and purchase audits, besides attending to patients and lecturing students. The facility will make such information available to members of the public.

The directorate, which has been insisting on death audits also found an increase in ‘discharged against medical advices'. "Now, we have decided to bring that too under audit," said Dr Vinayagam on Monday after a meeting he convened with senior health department officials.

It was decided that the hospital standing orders - a book of all government orders until 1956 - which continues to be the rule book for all government hospitals would be revised. "Some of the orders are as old as 1930. It makes no sense to follow them today. For instance, the head of an institution is permitted to use only Rs 500 a day for buying emergency medicines or equipment. That is hardly anything today," he said.

Besides, it would be made mandatory for departments to work on research- epidemiological or medical - and guide medicos into newer areas of research. "The deans would be empowered to approve funds for these projects," the DME said.

While deans, senior doctors and heads of departments are excited about the proposals, associations were hesitant.

"We don't disagree with the need to bring in new rules to bring in more disciple and better work culture. It's true that quality of care or treatment at government sector is not on a par with the private sector. It's also true that we don't have many research papers to boast of, said Dr Dinakar Moses, vice-president of the city wing of the Tamil Nadu government doctors' association.

"But if we must bring in the same quality of work we offer in the private sector, we would need more infrastructure and pay," he added.

Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association (TNGDA) Official eLibrary: Agreed Decisions of the Meeting held between representatives of Tamil Nadu Govern

2009-07-06T22:02:00.001+05:30

Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association (TNGDA) Official eLibrary: Agreed Decisions of the Meeting held between representatives of Tamil Nadu GovernmentDoctors Association and the Government

Please note : We will upload a copy with better clarity as soon as possible. In case any one of you have a copy, please scan and send to us

Token Strike Withdrawn !!

2009-07-05T23:23:00.002+05:30

Message from State Secretary

Friends, Strike Called Off. Action Committee consulted. Deal

Time Bound Promotion in 8, 15, 20 years

PB 4 in 20 years

PHC Allowance, Rare Speciality Allowance, Duty, Call Duty Allowance, Teaching, Court Allowance Hiked

VRS for Selectg Speciality

BMO SCS restored State Secretary

State Secretary

Frequently asked Questions on Private Practice

2009-06-28T07:48:00.002+05:30

Frequently asked Questions on Private Practice

TAMILNADU GOVERNMENT DOCTORS’ ASSOCIATION

State Office: 208, DAS Quarters, Govt. Rajaji Hospital, Madurai

14^th June 2009

PRIVATE PRACTICE

What is the choice of the TNGDA if the government bargains the private practice with central pay?

The central pay cannot be bargained for the central parity, but it can be bargained only with NON PRACTICING ALLOWANCE (NPA). The NPA given to central doctors is 30% of basic pay and it will be calculated for DA.
With central parity, this NPA will vary from Rs 10000 to 25000 for various grades of doctors. The total extra expenditure will work out to about 80 crores per annum to the govt.

What is the choice of the TNGDA if the government bargains the private practice with NPA?

The TNGDA will choose NPA, if compelled.

But, very unlikely for the following reasons…

the govt. or the public will not benefit in any way – already the duty timings are more than prescribed for any govt. servant.
NPA cost will be about Rs 80 crores per annum.
Almost all the states permit private practice as it benefits the public.

What if govt. bans Private Practice?

Very unlikely. Especially with a people friendly CM and govt.
Please see the disadvantages given below.
No advantage to public or govt.
In case if PP is banned, we would gain central pay + NPA.
It will be easy for TNGDA to persuade govt. to repeal ban in a year or two - as it wont cost any financial burden.
Even during the ban, in evitable practice, due to patients’ compulsion cannot be stopped. If at all any action is tajen it can be done only on conduct rules. (this will be dropped once the ban is repealed)
Repeal will be natural – in the capitalist economy, also in public interest, pressure of the association. Similar repal was done three years back in Andhra after a ban of about 1 year.

What are the disadvantages of banning private practice?

Among the total actively practicing 40000 doctors in TN, about 12000 are in govt. service ie about 1/3^rd of the total doctors. Ban will deprive the public of the private services of every third doctor. The demand will up and will be the cost – directly affecting the public.
About 60% of the specialists in TN are in govt. service. Ban will restrict access to the remaining 40% - again increasing the cost. (among the 40% - 10 % are in corporate sector)
70% among the rurally practicing (baring the bigger towns) doctors, are govt. doctors. Ban will increase the suffering of the poor rural public.
Already doctors are reluctant to join service in interior PHCs and difficult terrains. Ban will aggravate this situation.
Above all – ban will force all the talented hands to leave the govt. service. Almost all super specialist and other specialists with good private practice will quit service. The quality of govt. institutions will go down.

Is the argument that banning Private Practice will raise the concentration of doctors to serve the public?

No. the earnestness and serving nature is individualized. Except a few, almost all doctors work with passion and sincerity. But the exorbitant load of patients – mask it and the stress shows off.

Even the UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION since this year has liberalized and has permitted all the college teachers to take up “Private Consultancy Assignments” – vide the UGC – Pay Review Committee Report of 2008. It justifies saying that such assignments will help community to augment their educational quality.

Is it possible that awarding UGC scales, increase the duty timings in DME side?

No. The UGC permits 10 weeks vacation to the teachers. Vacation to certain npn-clinical departments possible. Already they work on par with other college teachers.

In the clinical side, vacation is not possible. So, titrating the 10 weeks vacation and the 24 hours stay duties; the existing timings is already more than the stipulate 30 hours a week norms of UGC.

State Secretary

TIPS AND DIRECTIONS ON TNGDA AGITATIONS:

2009-06-28T07:47:00.000+05:30

TIPS AND DIRECTIONS ON TNGDA AGITATIONS:

FROM 30.6.2009: PROPOSED INDEFINITE BOYCOTT OF PROGRAMMES

DONT’S

Not to organize or attend VKT camps
No disability or any other medical camps
No meetings to be attended or conducted (including PHC review meetings)
No trainings – as trainer or trainee
No classes – clinicals, theory, lab, exams, CME, all academic activities for UG/ PG students, medical officers, nurses or any categories (including HIV lectures etc)
No MCI inspection – either in their or on deputation
No medical board
No VIP duty
No medical/ health check-ups
No medical certificates/ physical fitness/ age certificate/ wound certificates/ PM certificates

DO’s

All VKT MOs to attend work @ their parent institution.
FW camps and elective surgeries will be done.

ON 6.7.2009 : ONE DAY STATE WIDE TOKEN STRIKE

DON’T’S

ALL INSTITUTIONS (EXCEPT Dist HQ and Medical College hospitals):-

All work in these institutions will be stopped.
All professors, directors, associate professors, assistant professors, tutors, assistant surgeon, sr. assistant surgeons , civil surgeons, Sr civil surgeons, medical officers , ARMOs – these cadres working in PHCs, ESI dispensaries, taluk and non-taluk hospitals, medical colleges and attached hospitals, other dispensaries, deputation duties in social welfare dept, school health, ICDS, Jail etc will join strike.
Doctors working (including hospital heads) to simply abstain and switch off their mobiles from 7 am on 6.7.2009 to 7am on 7.7.2009.
INCLUDES ALL SCS (including Chief MO of taluk, non taluk, ESI dispensaries)
Includes 10a1 doctors in CEmONC, PHCs, GH, Mobile doctors and those in clinical, non clinical and non-teaching departments of medical colleges.

AT DISTRICT HQ HOSPITALS: -

Life Saving services only will be provided.
No AR entries (except for life threatening cases and mass casualties)
No post mortems
No OPD
No ward rounds
No deliveries
No elective surgeries

DO’S

Life saving services in District HQ Hospitals will be maintained by 1 general duty doctor and 1 OG doctor (preferably active members) and an office bearer to actively advise and support them.
They will not sign attendance register but write case sheets and AR entry to cases whose life is in danger.
They will attend cases in the wards/ labour ward / ICU (choose wards/ examination rooms away from casualty / OPD)
AVOID ATTEND CASES IN CASUALTY
Write notes to all death or serious cases.

AT MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITALS: -

Life saving services only will be provided.
No AR entries (except for life threatening cases and mass casualties)
No post mortems
No OPD
No ward rounds
No deliveries
No elective surgeries

DO’S

Life saving services will be maintained by 1 DAP, 1 DAS, 1 DAA, 1 DAPP, 1 DAOA (preferably active members) and an office bearer to actively advise and support them. (Call for DANS or DATS only in imminent cases that too after CT Brain or CT chest)
They will not sign attendance register but write case sheets and AR entry to cases whose life is in danger.
They will attend cases in the wards/ labour ward / ICU (choose wards/ examination rooms away from casualty / OPD)
AVOID ATTENDING CASES IN CASUALTY
Write notes to all death or serious cases.

Office bearers to personally meet administrative cadres like DDHS, RMOs, Superintendent, JDHS, RAMO (ESI) to cooperate in the strike. The point that all of them are the immediate beneficiaries as their pay and pension will double should be emphasised.

Any doubt feel free to contact State Secretary or State President 94431 30399.

UNITY IS STRENGTH.

State Secretary

Resignation letter

2009-06-28T07:45:00.001+05:30

To
The Director and Appointing Authority,
Medical Education\ Medical and Rural Health Services\ Public Health and PM,Chennai.
From
Dr
______________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
Sir,

As resolved by the Tamil Nadu Govt. Doctors Association to press our only demand of implementing the “Special Doctors Promotion Scheme” till the doctors reach the 36100-67000 scale as recommended by the 6^th Central Pay Commission, I willingly herewith offer to resign my post forthwith. I am forced to take this decision in view of the poor promotion opportunities, poor pay scales and heavy work load and poor infrastructure.

In case if the demands are NOT met, please accept my resignations. But still I hope that our Honourable Chief Minister Dr Kalaignar will accept the TNGDA demand and in such case I would withdraw this resignation letter and rededicate myself to the service of the poor and the state.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

Date:

Station:

Participation letter

2009-06-28T07:44:00.000+05:30

Participation letter

To
The Director and Appointing Authority,
Medical Education\ Medical and Rural Health Services\ Public Health and PM, Chennai.
From
Dr
______________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
Sir,

As resolved by the Tamil Nadu Govt. Doctors Association to press our only demand of implementing the “Special Doctors Promotion Scheme” till the doctors reach the 36100-67000 scale as recommended by the 6^th Central Pay Commission, I willingly join all the agitation of TNGDA – including the proposed strike. I also state that I am frustrated to work in view of the poor promotion opportunities, poor pay scales and heavy work load and poor infrastructure.

I hope that our Honourable Chief Minister Dr Kalaignar will accept the TNGDA demand and in such case I would be happily rededicate myself to the service of the poor and the state.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

Date:

Station: ( )

one point demand of the Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association

2009-06-18T22:12:00.000+05:30

Details of the one point demand of the Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association:

Demand:

Implementation of the exclusive Pay scales and Career Progression opportunities to doctors in govt. service – central govt. based on the V and VI Central Pay Commission.

Details of the demand:

Extended DACP is periodical promotion in 4^th year, 9^th year, 13^th year and 20^th year in the scales of 15600+GP 5400, 15600+GP 6700, 37400+GP 8700 and 37400+GP 10000 respectively.

This extended DACP is the demand of the association.

By this the association requests special promotion scheme in the following scale and period.

Service Details	Demanded scale of Pay
Entry	15600-39100 +GP 5400
At 4^th year	15600-39100 +GP 6600
At 9^th year	15600-39100 +GP 7600
At 13^th year	37400-67000 +GP 8700
At 20^th year	37400-67000 +GP 10000

This is applicable to all the medical doctors, whether belonging to organized services or holding isolated posts.

In addition to the above Pay Scales and career advancements the other parts of the demand are

Special allowances for special duties (for other duties not in central govt. service) – given in our earlier detailed representation. Like - Treatment Allowance, PHC Allowance, Multi speciality Allowance, Risk Allowance etc
Voluntary Retirement from Service (as in central health service)

Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) - genesis and course:

This is a special promotion scheme first suggested by the V Pay Central Pay Commission Report. The Central Govt. implemented this scheme since 1.1.1996 to all different streams of doctors up to the scale of 14300-18300. So since 1996 the central doctors were getting promotions at 4^th year, ninth year and 13^th year in the scales of 10000, 12000 and 14300 respectively.

The VI Central Pay Commission: also suggested to continue DACP to all categories of medical officers including isolated posts of medical officers. (Vide Page 193 and para 3.6.7 of the Central Pay Commission Report)

The Central Govt. after accepting the recommendations, decided to further extend the DACP to one scale more – promotion at 20^th year upto the scale of 37400-67000 GP 10000. [vide the Gazette – Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) New Delhi, dated 29^th August 2008; Resolution No. 1/1/2008-IC. para 12 ]

So, finally the central doctors are given promotions in 4^th year, 9^th year, 13^th year and 20^th year in the scales of 15600-39100 GP 6600, 15600-39100 GP 7600, 37400-67000 GP 8700 and 37400-67000 GP 10000.

V and VI PC Report justified this special scheme to doctors stating: - “DACP is extended to doctors as their basic qualification is of longer duration and the doctors hence, have less number of total services. This cannot be extended to any other government servants.”

Urgent Executive Committee Meeting resolutions

2009-06-17T08:05:00.000+05:30

TAMILNADU GOVERNMENT DOCTORS’ ASSOCIATION
Recognised by the Govt. of Tamilnadu vide Public Department G.O. Ms No. 1980 dated 7.10.1969
STATE PRESIDENT Dr.S.Kanagasababathy Thanjavur		STATE SECRETARY Dr K.Senthil Madurai
	STATE TREASURERs
Dr K.Jeyakumar Vellore		Dr P.Prakash Karat Ramanathapuram
State Office: 208, DAS Quarters, Govt. Rajaji Hospital, Madurai

14^th June 2009

Urgent Executive Committee Meeting resolutions

The Urgent Executive Committee Meeting of the TamilNadu Government Doctors’ Association was held at Madurai on 14^th June 2009.

The Executive Committee members from all over the state attended the meeting. The Pay Commission implementation in Tamilnadu without correcting the existing anomalies for the government doctors was discussed in detail.

All the members uniformly expressed that it is a betrayal of our cadres after assurances from our Honourable Health Minister in the floor of the assembly.

In spite of the just issue and steps to highlight it in a democratic way, the response from the govt. is very disappointing. The association is forced to go in for agitations to press the demands.

After elaborate discussion the following resolutions were passed unanimously.

The association appeals to the Honourable Chief Minister Dr Kalaignar to kindly consider our following one point demand favourably.

Our Demand:

Implementing the VI Central Pay Commission recommendations for doctors in Tamilnadu.

In order to press our demand

it has been decided to hold a one day token fast by the state EC members at Chennai on 23^rd June 2009.
To boycott the following programmes without affecting the patient service indefinitely from 30^th June 2009: Varumun Kappom Thittam, Other camps, meetings , training programme, MCI inspections, medical board, VIP convoy duty, students classes, practicals and all other academic activities.

If the demands are not met by the govt., the association has resolved to go for one day token strike on 6^th July 2009. Emergency and life saving services will be maintained.

Each district to convene an urgent GB Meeting and get their members ready for implementing the State EC resolutions and issue press releases.
Not giving option to new pay till the demands were met. All members will continue to get the old pay.
The association has resolved to convene an urgent EC Meeting on 12^th July 2009 to decide on the “Indefinite Strike” and further course of action.

(State Secretary) (State President)

97877 27213 94431 30399

Tamilnadu Govt Doctor's pay hike

2009-06-12T18:03:00.000+05:30

TN sixth pay commission has given doctors nothing but a poorer service condition and treated as bonded labourers.

Ä There is nothing in relation with sixth central pay commission in this except entry scale of 8000-275-13500 ie 15600-39100 with grade pay of 5400.

o Successive scale never exist in central pay bands.

o Senior civil surgeons and Associate professors are the most affected.

o Equality prevails in the sense that entry and highest promotion (which all doctors achieve ) are kept in the same pay band.

o Dynamic Assured Carrier Progression schem ie time bound promotion given in 5th and 6th central pay commission is not even mentioned.

Ä Inspite of shortage of teaching faculties in all new medical colleges more than 50 to 75% in certain departments and colleges, no effort taken to retain qualified doctors and no incentives for rare specialities and higher specialties.

o Even though Tamil nadu is best in india in terms of health indicators ( as Govt claims) doctors are treated like bonded labourers by denying VRS and petty pay hike.

o This is not comparable to what is given in central pay commisiion yet they call it 6th pay commission.

o Giving an Msc, MBBS. MD/MS, and Mch/DM the same 15600-39100+5400 is some thing a gross anomaly existing no where in our country.

o Forgetting and ignoring CAG report ( Comptroller and Auditor General of Govt of India) deteriorating quality of medical education particularly in nonclinical side, shortage of teaching faculty in all new colleges does not even bother the concerned authorities in TN pay commossion.

Ä By giving this lesser pay, no person would ever come to nonclinical departments after finishing PG.

o A Govt department is cheating the MCI, another govt regulating authority, for ever to get recognition of Govt colleges by giving false posting orders with out making any effort to retain and recruit necessary taeching faculty.

o Permanent teaching faculty number has not been issued in this state only to facilitate showing same faculty in more than one medical college in the name of giving more medical seats to state.

Ä Virtually they are creating under trained doctors for the society by not having adequate teaching faculty.

o By not addressing the issue of shortage of specialised doctors in DMS and DPH side for OG and Anaesthesia , they are training MBBS doctors.

o If salary is not on par with atleast adjascent states( IF NOT ON PAR WITH CENTRAL GOVT), our medical education would not improve and we dont get specialised doctors in DMs or DPH apart from service quota PGs.

o If a trained MBBS doctor gives anaesthesia or conducts ceasarian section some complication arises would any court would accept or any public would accept if they come to know doctor is only trained but not qualified to give anaesthesia and do surgery. or any official involved in finalising this stategy of training MBBS doctors for anaesthesia or surgery would ever under go any procedure by these doctors for their family members.

o Because they go to only corporate hospitals, not even to esteemed govt colleges like chennai govt General hospital.

o It is only poor man who comes to our GH/PHC for treatment.

Ä Unless we, doctors fight for our better service condition no body would do.

Ä This is in the best interest of us and our society to have best medical education and best medical service by qualified specialised doctors by giving pay hike on par with either central govt or southern states.

Ä By giving poorer pay hike, Govt is encouraging speciality doctors to go join private institutions and encouraging private practice of those already in service and also encourages corruption.

Ä No govt doctor is happy to serve full years in service.

Ä If allowed, most of experienced and senior doctors of various specialties would leave service but state govt is not allowing VRS.

Ä Are we bonded labourers to be denied of fundamental right of VRS and compulsory service in under paid poor salary?.

If not now never ever we would get dignified salary in this state.
--

Government Medical College Hospital inspected

2009-06-08T23:00:00.000+05:30

http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/07/stories/2009060754380300.htm

Government Medical College Hospital inspected

Staff Reporter

For installation of linear accelerator radiotherapy equipment

— Photo: N. Rajesh

assessment: An expert team at the Government Medical College Hospital in Tuticorin on Saturday.

Tuticorin: A team consisting of doctors led by Palanivel, Senior Regional Director, Health Services, visited the Government Medical College Hospital, Tuticorin, on Saturday, as part of preliminary inspection.

The team held discussions with J. Ravi Shankar, Dean of the hospital, on installation of a modern linear accelerator radiotherapy equipment at the hospital to facilitate radiation treatment for cancer patients without any side effects.

Installation of the equipment would obviate the need for patients to go to hospitals in other cities thus saving time and money.

Infrastructure

The team also made an assessment of the infrastructure facilities at the hospital with regard to sanction of Central government funds under National Cancer Control Programme to establish and strengthen an exclusive Oncology wing to cater to the needs of cancer patients.

Team members

M. Balu David, Director, Government Aringar Anna Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Regional Cancer Centre, Kancheepuram, and P.G. Jayaprakash, Additional Director, Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram were among the team members.

The faculty members in the Department of Radiotherapy, including V. Viswanathan, Lalitha Ramasubramaniam and J. Silas, among others, were present.

Question bank CD for orthopaedic surgeons

2009-06-07T22:55:00.000+05:30

We would be grateful if any of the viewers can give us the following information

Whether this CD is for Free or is there a price attached
Whether the concerned persons are ready to host the matter in a web site
Contact Information of the Surgeons

You can post the reply in the comments below or SMS 98421 11725

From http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/07/stories/2009060750040200.htm

Question bank CD for orthopaedic surgeons

Special Correspondent

“Question bank will help students perform better in examinations”

CHENNAI: A compact disc (CD) containing a bank of questions for orthopaedic surgeons was released at a function held at the Government Royapettah Hospital (GRH) here.

The question bank was prepared by the members of the Madras Orthopaedic Society, in which eminent orthopaedics in the city are members.

“Usually in orthopaedic studies postgraduate students had to get books from former students. But having a question bank will help the students to perform better in examinations,” said P. Selvaraj, a member of the Society.

“We have collected questions from various universities across the globe,” he added.

The question bank is divided into chapters. For example, traumatology and orthopaedics in rehabilitation, all of which are important for a surgeon, forms a separate chapter.

There are also sub-classifications for fractures of each region of the body, such as fracture of the spine or the hand.

The CD was the brainchild of the hospital’s Orthopaedics Department head N.O. Samson and was released at the meeting on Thursday by hospital superintendent K. Rajendran.

Members of the society said that the CD will also help teachers.

“Orthopaedics examinations are difficult to clear and only 30 per cent pass,” Dr. Selvaraj said.

pay structure

2009-06-06T14:23:00.002+05:30

dear doctors,
we have not got the scale of pay and other allowances as promised.we shall stand united to correct the pay anomalies.

Tamil Nadu Sixth Pay Commission - Government Orders

2009-06-05T23:05:00.002+05:30

Tamil Nadu govt wage bill got heftier

2009-05-31T19:44:00.000+05:30

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/Economy/Policy/Tamil-Nadu-govt-wage-bill-got-heftier/articleshow/4600798.cms

It is rejoicing time for state government employees’ of Tamil Nadu, with their compensation scales brought on par with the central government staff.

Sample some statistics: the deputy collector is the biggest beneficiary with his total emoluments going up to Rs 30,730 post revision compared to Rs 23,430 that the official drew as on January 1, 2006. With a wage hike of Rs 1,310, noon-meal organisers would now get a total wage of Rs 4,780.

Extending the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations to its own employees, the TN government revised the salaries of its staff that would benefit 12 lakh government employees, including local body officials and noon-meal scheme workers, besides six lakh pensioners, TN finance secretary K Gnanadesikan told reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday.

Despite declining tax revenues due to the economic slowdown and the increasing financial burden, the state has gone ahead with its implementation. Against annual revenue estimates of Rs 59,000 crore, TN’s wage bill component of revenue expenditure constitutes Rs 14,000 crore on salaries and Rs 7,000 crore on pensions.

The pay revision would result in an additional recurring expenditure of Rs 5155.79 crore annually. The house rent and the city compensatory allowances, granted for the first time to all employees on special time scales of pay including noon-meal workers, had been doubled, Mr Gnanadesikan said.

The revised pay scales would be implemented with effect from January 1, 2006 notionally, while the monetary benefit would be applicable from January 1, 2007. On account of this measure and the "carry forward" effect, retirees would also stand to gain a pension bonanza.

The state government would also incur a further expenditure of Rs 11,093 crore on account of payment arrears, but the payout would be in three equal annual instalments. "We have already factored this in our budget calculations," he said in response to a question.

Arrears on pay revision after adjustment of interim arrears would be paid in cash in three equal instalments in the years 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12. Mr Gnanadesikan said the first instalment would be released immediately post the issuance of government orders. The Central pay scales are being continuously implemented in TN.

Asked about any specific plan to handle the revenue gap, he said stamp duty and registration charges collection had declined by 30% in view of dwindling property transactions. Inflation and stagnation in VAT collections had also impacted revenues. However, by the first quarter of 2010, recovery is expected and the state has been safeguarded adequately.

Mr Gnanadesikan also said the Central finance commission team members are scheduled to visit the state on June 4 or 5. TN would seek to impress upon them to enhance its share in the devolution of funds.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Existing pay scales to be revised on Central ‘pay scale to pay scale’ basis
Allowances have been doubled
Annual increment will be @3% of pay plus grade pay as in GoI
DA will be sanctioned at same rates and on same date in the revised pay structure as sanctioned by GoI
New pay scale of Rs 7000-225-11500 has been created for post of ministerial superintendent so as to place this post one level above that of the assistant section officer in secretariat and a corresponding revised pay scale of Rs 9300-34800 with a grade pay of Rs 4800 with effect from 12.12.07 will be granted
Existing slab rates of HRA and CCA will be doubled
Eligibility for travelling allowance has been modified suitably keeping in view existing levels
Gratuity ceiling enhanced from Rs 3.5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh
Family pensioners who exercise option to contribute Rs 50 per month from their family pension would be included in TN Pensioners’ Health Fund Scheme
Consolidated pay/fixed pay/honorarium has been enhanced ensuring uniform increase of 25% of the existing emoluments

Tamil Nadu government announces pay hikes

2009-05-31T17:47:00.002+05:30

http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/15966.htm

The Tamil Nadu government Sunday announced huge increases in the salaries of its employees ranging between Rs.1,774 and Rs.7,300 per month.

The pay hike is expected to shoot up the government’s annual expenditure by Rs.5,155.79 crore, while the initial cost would be around Rs.11,093 crore, an official statement said.

On the basis of the recommendations of a special committee and the Sixth Pay Commission, the government has decided to hike salaries of its employees despite additional initial financial burden and increased annual expenditures, it said.

“The total payment will be paid in instalments between the current financial year and 2011,” the statement added.

According to the statement, the salary increments will range between Rs.1,774 and Rs.7,300 per month from office assistant to deputy collector.

Medical officers protest sixth pay panel report

2009-05-31T17:45:00.002+05:30

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Nagpur/Medical-officers-protest-sixth-pay-panel-report/articleshow/4599425.cms

NAGPUR: The sixth pay commission may have benefited most government employees, but medical officers (MOs) in the state claim they are one of the

biggest losers. They say that the new package of salaries has brought down their status and devalued their position among medical professionals as well as other administrative staff.

Irked by the recent GR, which brings the MOs (grade A) in the 9300-35,000 scale, public health sector doctors have joined hands under the banner of Federation of Health Officers (doctors) (FOHA), and submitted a memorandum to district collectors across the state demanding equal status with Central government medical officers, who have been retained in the upper salary slabs. “Today we submitted a memorandum, but on June 4 we will wear black badges. On June 20, officials will stop reporting to work under the National Rural Health Mission, and from June 30 they will stop work for one hour,” said Dr Sanjay Manekar, regional FOHA secretary.

He said that the sixth pay commission had brought the MOs at par with salaries of class III staff nurses and senior clerks. “The state government has not approved the Dynamic Career Assurance Progress Scheme (DCAPS) of the Central government and this has put us in the dock,” Dr Mankar said. Dental medical officers too claim to have been affected by the new GR.

Doubts about Maternity Leave

2009-05-27T07:57:00.002+05:30

Dear ____,

Regarding maternity leave for my wife..
My wife who is a ___ joined at _______ GH on June 25th 2007 and she availed maternity leave from June 2nd 2008...
She joined under bond that she signed while joining his course to work in governement setup..
Now we are planning to apply for maternity leave pay arrears
Is she eligible for all 3 months as she took leave before one year was over
Do u have any suggestions..

Thanks
Dr.________

Dear Dr,

Since the Candidate has joined in 2007 under Rule 10 A 1, she has to clear the TNPSC. Did she appear in General TNPSC 2009. If so, if she is selected, her services will be regularised. Or else she has to appear in a special TNPSC which will be conducted subsequently (check Doubts about 10 A 1 Counselling and General TNPSC Clarified, More doubts about 10 A 1, When will my services be regularised, and other posts in TNPSC Forum, http://www.targetpg.net/search/label/TNPSC, http://www.tngda.in for more details)

Only after getting selected by a TNPSC, (General or Special) the services will be regularised.

After that probation has to be declared. Only after that you can claim the leave. Please wait for some time

DME AP Counselling - Request to District Office Bearers

2009-05-24T11:06:00.000+05:30

District Office Bearers are requested to ensure that the latest vacancy report of your college is send by fax to DDME (A&R) by 25.05.2009. Letter to Deans from DME in this regard can be got from our office by Fax. State Secretary

Tiruvarur Government Medical College to start functioning from this academic year

2009-05-23T06:53:00.000+05:30

http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/23/stories/2009052358120100.htm

Special Correspondent

MAKING A POINT: Dairy Development Minister U. Mathivanan discussing with officials about progress in construction of buildings for Government Medical College in Tiruvarur on Thursday.

TIRUVARUR: The Government Medical College at Tiruvarur will start functioning from this academic year.

Officials of the Indian Medical Council will visit Tiruvarur in June and make an assessment of the works completed. After the visit, Health Minister and Health Secretary will take steps to admit students to the college, Dairy Development Minister U. Mathivanan said here on Thursday after inspecting the works on the construction of the buildings for the college. Students will be admitted from this academic year itself, he said.

The college is coming up at a total cost of Rs. 100 crore. Thirty nine acres of land has been allotted in the Collectorate master complex for the purpose. A sum of Rs. 42.77 crore has been allotted in the first phase for construction of buildings. A 300-bed hospital building is coming up at a cost of Rs. 26.18 crore, another 200-bed hospital at a cost of Rs. 6.88 crore, an outpatient ward at a cost of Rs. 6.5 crore, a central laboratory and a blood bank building at a cost of Rs. 2.30 crore. “Sixty per cent of the works of these buildings have been completed,” the Minister said.

In the second phase, buildings for various departments, hostel facilities for girls and boys and examination hall will be constructed. A sum of Rs. 50.93 crore has been allotted for the purpose. Tenders have been called for these works.

They will be finalised in a fortnight and works taken up, the Minister said. Initially students will be staying in temporary hostels till the works on hostels is completed. The Minister advised engineers to expedite the work.

John Louis, District Revenue Officer, accompanied the Minister during his visit.

Protesting medicos in Hyderabad opt for a flash strike

2009-05-17T12:10:00.000+05:30

From
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/protesting-medicos-in-hyderabad-opt-for-a-flash-strike_1007613.html

Hyderabad, Dec 3 (ANI): The protests by medicos in Hyderabad against the alleged misbehaviour by a legislator continued on Monday with junior doctors of Niloufer Hospital going on a flash strike.
An MLA belonging to the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) Afsar Khan allegedly attacked the medicos second time after the Sunday incident when the legislator had attacked the doctors on duty.
Khan and his accomplices have alleged that the doctors delayed in giving treatment to a child belonging to a MIM activist that led to the child’s death.
The child’s father, Junaid and his relatives reportedly created a ruckus in the hospital leading to their arrests.
Monday’s strike has hit the services at the hospital. However, official sources have refuted reports that six children have died because of the strike.
Meanwhile, to overcome the situation, the State Health Minister Aruna Kumari said that the help of doctors from other hospitals have been sought to maintain services at the Niloufer Hospital.
“I held talks with the junior doctors and I ordered an enquiry by the joint collector into the incident since it involves Speaker’s consent to arrest the MLA,” said Kumari.
The superintendent of Niloufer hospital Narasimha Rao described the incident as a case of misunderstanding between the doctors and the relatives of the baby patient.
“We used to get 100 to 120 admissions everyday. That day also we got 70 cases and in one case the patient was brought dead, and its unfortunate that the relatives psychological phobia led to the incident,” said Rao.
The striking doctors have alleged that the incidents of misbehaviour are on increase and there is no security provided by the government. (ANI)

Number of medical aspirants plunges 65% in 5 years

2009-05-12T12:10:00.008+05:30

From http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Number-of-medical-aspirants-plunges-65-in-5-years/articleshow/4501474.cms

MUMBAI: Here’s a bitter reality pill—the number of aspiring doctors in the state has progressively declined over the past four years. About 80,000 students took the health sciences entrance exam in 2004, but only 28,551 will do so this year. On the other hand, the number of engineering aspirants seems to have spurted.

There was a time when the state did not even conduct an entrance test for aspiring engineers—they were merely admitted on the basis of their Class XII physics, chemistry and math scores. In 2004, when the state introduced an entrance exam for engineering, 52,400 students sat for it. This time around, over 95,000 (see box) will be vying for 71,701 seats across Maharashtra.

While most engineers walk into an MBA programme, the passport to a successful career and high salary, medical students spend close to ten years buried in books. Apart from the punishing length of the course, vice-chancellor of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Dr Mrudula Phadke, points to another reason that has discouraged students from studying medicine. “The number of postgraduate seats has also fallen, reducing the guarantee of a seat at that stage,’’ she said.

If seats in medicine have remained constant over the years, the engineering course has become the new motor for success. From 2002 to 2004, several seats in engineering courses went abegging, but with the IT revolution, 40 new colleges in the state have sprung up every year. Now, Maharashtra has the third highest number of engineering colleges after Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

An official of the state Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) echoed the sentiment of lakhs of students when he said that an engineer’s career begins with a hefty pay packet while a doctor’s is much slower to take off. “A doctor who graduates takes years to secure a place for himself in the fraternity before he can establish himself. Besides, job prospects for doctors are falling,’’ the official said.

Dr Vivek Korde, president of the Forum Against Commercialisation of Education, said when the Unnikrishnan formula was in place, meritorious students would get into the medical stream because 50% of the seats were under a government quota. Until 2003, even private medical colleges across Maharashtra had to hand over half their seats to the government and the state in turn admitted students on merit for an annual fee of Rs 18,000. “Now, private colleges don’t give seats to the government and there are merely 2,000 seats in the government and corporation medical colleges. Private colleges are unaffordable for middle-class students,’’ Korde added.

After the T M A Pai ruling and the Islamic judgment struck down the government quota in private institutes from 2004-05, there were only 44,537 medical aspirants in Maharashtra in the following year, and since then their numbers have further dwindled.

In all, 2.49 lakh students will be taking the MHT-CET on May 12, while close to 1.25 lakh undecided candidates will give both biology and maths a shot.

TB hits PGI emergency doctors

2009-05-09T09:50:00.000+05:30

From http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Chandigarh/TB-hits-PGI-emergency-doctors/articleshow/4357069.cms

CHANDIGARH: A mere sneeze in over-crowded emergency wards of hospitals could leave you, or your doctor, infected. In a frightening revelation, 12 of the 60 doctors posted in the emergency of region’s premier institute -- PGIMER -- during the past two years have been infected with tuberculosis. And if medicos run such high risk of infections, it’s not hard to imagine what patients -- who’re already immunosuppressed -- are exposed to in buzzing corridors of PGI.

With the issue raising concern among health workers, a draft prepared to redesign hospitals has been submitted to the Centre. ‘‘In the recent past, we’ve seen four to five doctors getting infected with TB every year,’’ said head of pulmonary department SK Jindal. He added healthcare staff was two to three times more vulnerable to the disease than the general population, which runs a 0.5% risk of getting it.

‘‘Twelve residents -- primarily from transplant surgery, neurosurgery, gastroenterology surgery and medicine departments -- have been infected with TB of lungs and extra pulmonary (bone and spine). But the administration has been slow to act,’’ said Prabhu, the president of resident doctors’ body.

‘‘We have sent a proposal to Union government under Revised National TB Control Programme to redesign hospitals in a way that there is proper ventilation and overcrowding is avoided,’ Jindal said.

A far cry from the tentative arrangements are untidy beds in PGI emergency that are cramped together, with not even two-foot distance between two cots. Not only is there no patient-isolation room for those infected with air-borne ailments, but the huge ward is kept ‘hygienic’ by merely six exhaust fans, that whirl tirelessly to pump out bad air. Ironically, these six exhausts are the only ‘clean measure’ adopted by PGI since its inception. Despite the association of resident doctors apprising the administration about lack of essential elements, nothing has been done to provide open spaces or improve ventilation.

Tejinder Singh, who is the chief engineer at Fortis, said, ‘‘Rooms are supposed to be built in such a way that when a patient breathes out, the air is released directly out of the exhaust outlet. All patients suffering from air-borne disease are shifted to isolation ward, where adequate precautions are taken. We have a microwave filter in ACs that is regularly cleaned, etc.’’

Blaming patient inflow for lack of space, PGI’s official spokesperson Manju Wadwalkar said, ‘‘Though emergency can accommodate 30 beds, we normally have 120-150 patients admitted at a time.’’