CHENNAI: Counselling for post-graduate medical courses commenced on Monday with the physically- challenged category being taken up first. But it was not without drama with the in-service doctors, who did not get the 50 per cent reservation benefit, attempting to disrupt the counselling. They were detained and let off later.
However, they have decided to continue their protest at the district and zonal levels for the next 90 days after duty hours and not cooperate with the government, till their demands are met.
Out of the 11 physically-challenged candidates called for the counselling, 10 attended it.
“There are 19 seats for the physically-challenged in government quota. After allotting the 10 seats, the remaining nine would go to the general category,” said Dr G Selvaraj, Secretary, selection committee. Counselling for general category would start at the Government Multi Super-Speciality Hospital,
Omandurar Estate, at 9 am on Tuesday.
It is for 562 post-graduate courses and 200 PG diploma courses. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Medical Officers Association (TNMOA), Doctors’ Association for Social Equality, and others tried to stage a protest at the venue to stall the counselling. Around 60 doctors were raising slogans at the venue. However, they were bundled into two vehicles before the commencement of counselling and let off at Chepauk.
Later, those from Service Doctors and Post Graduates Association (SDPGA) entered the counselling hall and tried to protest. They were removed by police and taken for talks with the Selection Secretary and other officials. Police also argued with reporters and TV cameramen, asking them to leave the counselling venue.
They were later let in after getting permission from the Directorate of Medical Education officials.
Meanwhile, speaking to Express, Dr N Gnana Prakasam, president, Tamil Nadu Medical Officers Association said, “We will continue our protest for the next 90 days, at one district every day. We will stop attending review meetings and other important discussions,” he added.
Gnana Prakasam said the association would continue to fight until other service doctors also were assured of the 50 per cent quota.
Members of the Service Doctors and Post Graduates Association (SDPGA) would continue their protest in a democratic way involving communities till their demands were met. They would also conduct human chains, rallies, conferences, said state organising secretary, Dr A Ramalingam.
The Doctors’ Association for Social Equality also participated in the protest at the medical counselling venue.