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Doctor redeployment sparks hospital staff cuts fears
2 Oct
Summary
- Order G.O. 113 aims to rationalize 3,619 doctor posts.
- Doctors' association claims nearly 70% of GHs face reduced posts.
- Lack of anesthetists raises concerns about surgical capabilities.
A government order, G.O. 113, issued in March and aimed at rationalizing 3,619 doctor posts, is facing strong opposition from medical professionals. The Service Doctors and Post Graduates Association (SDPGA) argues that the order, intended to ensure specialist care in secondary institutions, is being implemented through a redeployment model that reduces sanctioned doctor positions. They report that almost 70% of general hospitals have experienced a decrease in their doctor quotas.
Critics argue that the G.O. employs a flawed methodology, disregarding actual hospital workload and medico-legal duties. The SDPGA highlighted that many hospitals lack necessary specialists, such as anesthetists, despite having surgical or obstetric positions, raising serious questions about their ability to perform essential surgeries.
The association also pointed out that patient loads have significantly increased since 2000 without a proportional rise in medical staff. Despite assurances from the Health Minister in June 2026, the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services (DMS) is reportedly pushing for the G.O.'s implementation by September 2026. The SDPGA has formally requested the Chief Minister and Health Minister to review and rectify the order before proceeding with transfers and promotions.
