Chennai: Two leading doctors’ associations in Tamil Nadu have strongly opposed the reported proposal to appoint an IAS officer as the Commissioner of the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), arguing that the post has traditionally been held by a senior government doctor and that changing the system could adversely affect the administration of medical education and public healthcare.
The Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association (TNGDA) and the Service Doctors and Post Graduates Association (SDPGA) have urged the state government to withdraw the proposal, warning that the move would further reduce the role of medical professionals in managing the Health Department.
TNGDA Urges Government to Withdraw Proposal
In a representation submitted to the Health Secretary, TNGDA President Dr. A. Srinivasan and General Secretary Dr. T. Kanagarajan said the association had learnt that the government was considering appointing an IAS officer to head the Directorate of Medical Education.
The association urged the government to abandon the proposal, stating that the Directorate has been headed by senior government doctors for nearly four decades based on seniority.
According to the association, this long-standing system has ensured that professionals with extensive medical and academic experience lead one of the state’s most important healthcare institutions.
‘Existing System Has Worked for Four Decades’
The TNGDA argued that replacing a senior medical professional with an IAS officer could affect the effective functioning of the Directorate.
It pointed out that despite facing shortages of manpower, infrastructure and financial resources, government doctors have continued to provide quality healthcare services across the state.
The association maintained that the Directorate of Medical Education requires leadership with firsthand clinical, academic and administrative experience in the medical sector.
Doctors Warn of Statewide Protest
The association warned that if the proposal is implemented, it would launch protests in coordination with other doctors’ organisations across Tamil Nadu.
It urged the government to retain the existing practice of appointing senior government doctors to head the Directorate.
SDPGA Also Raises Objections
The Service Doctors and Post Graduates Association (SDPGA) also expressed strong reservations over the reported move.
The association noted that while the Health Secretary has traditionally been an IAS officer, several other important administrative institutions within the Health Department are already headed by IAS officers.
According to the SDPGA, these include:
- Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society
- Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project
- National Health Mission (Tamil Nadu)
- Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation
- Medical Services Recruitment Board
The association argued that appointing an IAS officer as Commissioner of the Directorate of Medical Education would further diminish the role of doctors in health administration.
Concern Over Reduced Role of Medical Professionals
The SDPGA said medical professionals possess domain knowledge essential for managing medical education, teaching hospitals and healthcare institutions.
It expressed concern that transferring another key administrative position to the general administrative service could weaken professional leadership in the state’s healthcare system.
The association urged the government to preserve the autonomy and professional character of the Directorate by continuing the practice of appointing experienced government doctors.
Call for More Government Doctors
Apart from opposing the proposal, the SDPGA also highlighted the growing shortage of doctors in the state’s public healthcare system.
The association pointed out that Tamil Nadu has significantly expanded its healthcare infrastructure over the years by establishing new government medical colleges, hospitals and primary health centres.
However, it said the number of government doctors has not increased proportionately to meet the growing demand.
The association appealed to the government to strengthen the medical workforce by recruiting more doctors alongside expanding healthcare infrastructure.
Debate Over Administrative Leadership
The reported proposal has sparked a wider debate over whether specialised institutions such as the Directorate of Medical Education should continue to be headed by domain experts or be brought under greater administrative control through IAS officers.
While the government has not yet officially announced any decision regarding the appointment, the strong opposition from doctors’ associations indicates that the issue could trigger wider protests if the proposal moves forward.
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