Chennai: Doctors in the state on Friday did not welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement increasing the retirement age of state and Central government doctors to 65, stating that it would affect the prospects of younger doctors. Some doctors however, felt the opposite.
Addressing a rally to launch the celebrations for the second anniversary of the NDA government, the PM had said the country was facing a huge shortage of doctors - a situation that would not have happened if there were enough medical colleges in the country.
“The lifespan of doctors have come down due to working under a lot of stress. As age advances, it is difficult for doctors to adjust to new technology developments, thereby affecting patients as well,” said G. R. Ravindrananth, secretary, Doctors’ Association for Social Equality.
V. Sundar, senior doctor, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, said that it would affect younger doctors who deserve higher posts. On the other hand, there were some doctors who welcomed the move. “It will be a great boon to patients since specialty doctors would also fall under this category. Doctors who get trained under these senior doctors would also benefit. The rural masses would be the foremost beneficiary. The state government should ensure that retirement age is raised,” said E.S.R. Arun Subramaniam, Block Health Officer, Sorakkayapet in Tiruvallur District.
