Dentists working on part-time basis at block primary health centres (PHCs) in the State have urged the government to regularise their services.
Senthil Kumar, a dental surgeon working in a block PHC at Mailam, said many dentists like him were posted on part-time basis to block PHCs across the State through the National Rural Health Mission three years ago.
“Our duty is for three hours a day from 8 a.m., for six days a week. We are paid Rs. 500 per day,” he said.
He said over 260 dentists were working on part-time basis. “There is increased awareness on dental health among villagers and many of them are coming for treatment. So, we have requested the government to give us full-time work and then conduct a special Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission exam to regularise our services,” he said.
Representing their demand, the Doctors’ Association for Social Equality (DASE) has urged the government to regularise the services of the dentists posted on contract basis. The association has asked the government to create new posts for dentists at government hospitals where there are an inadequate number of dentists.
According to a press release issued by DASE, several dentists across the State were awaiting full-time employment.
