Doctors’ body opposes Speaker’s remarks, seeks NEET exemption and medical reforms

The Doctors’ Association for Social Equality expressed strong opposition to Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar’s reported anti-abortion remarks, arguing that such statements threaten women’s reproductive rights. At a press conference in Chennai, the association vehemently opposed the State government’s resolution advocating for the nationwide elimination of NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test).

The association maintained that NEET exemption should be granted on a permanent basis for undergraduate, postgraduate, and super-speciality medical seats under the purview of Tamil Nadu. They contended that abolishing NEET would likely favour private medical colleges and deemed universities, thereby placing additional financial strain on poor and middle-class students.

The Doctors’ Association also disputed the Health Minister’s assertions regarding NEET and rural healthcare. They pointed out that over 1,000 NEET-qualified doctors were currently serving in rural Primary Health Centres, suggesting that NEET was not the primary factor behind the underrepresentation of disadvantaged students in medical education.

Consequently, they called for the formation of an expert committee to thoroughly investigate this matter. Additionally, the association insisted on a substantial increase in educational support for students admitted under the 7.5% government-school quota.

Other demands put forth by the Doctors’ Association included the implementation of the children’s gold-ring scheme through the Revenue or Social Welfare Department rather than medical professionals; discontinuing efforts to assign IAS officers to high-ranking medical positions; preserving the Deputy Director of Tuberculosis post; maintaining reservation provisions in contractual appointments; and withdrawing what they deemed as retaliatory measures against Dr. Perumal Pillai, the leader of the Government Doctors’ Legal Battle Committee.