More than two weeks after government doctors launched ‘non-cooperation agitations’, demanding proper implementation of Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP), the Health Department is considering different means to increase their pay such as by way of increments, and is likely to arrive at a solution before a court hearing posted on December 17.
About 18,000 doctors across the State are protesting to put forward their long-pending demand to do away with pay disparities under the DACP — a scheme introduced for Central government doctors — by reviewing government order 354.
S. Perumal Pillai, member of Joint Action Committee-Government Doctors Association (JAC-GDA), said due to the delay in considering the recommendations of Working Group, the JAC-GDA decided to launch ‘non-cooperation agitations’.
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“We are protesting without affecting patient care services. We are boycotting all meetings such as review meetings/audit meetings held by the respective district Collectors and Joint Directors/Deputy Directors, and those held in government medical colleges. We are boycotting all forms of reporting and trainings,” he said.
Based on a PIL, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had sought a report on the steps initiated towards meeting the demands of the doctors.
The Health Department had in a status report said that they were waiting the report of the one-man commission looking into the grievances of the doctors. The hearing was posted for December 17.
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Affecting healthcare
An official said doctors had stopped filing reports and this was affecting the healthcare system.
“A meeting of officials with the Finance Department is being held, and it is likely that a solution will be arrived at for recommendation to the court,” he added.