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

The Doctors’ Association for Social Equality expressed strong disapproval of Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar’s recent comments regarding abortion. At a press conference in Chennai, the association vehemently opposed the State government’s resolution aiming to abolish NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) across the nation.

Instead, they advocated for a permanent exemption for undergraduate, postgraduate, and super-speciality medical seats under Tamil Nadu’s jurisdiction. The association argued that such abolition could favor private medical colleges and deemed universities, thereby placing an additional financial strain on poor and middle-class students.

They also refuted the Health Minister’s assertions about NEET and rural healthcare, pointing out that more than 1,000 NEET-qualified doctors were currently serving in rural Primary Health Centres. Furthermore, the association requested the formation of an expert committee to investigate the matter, as they believed NEET was not the primary factor contributing to the underrepresentation of disadvantaged students in medical education.

They also demanded a higher level of educational assistance for students admitted through the 7.5% government-school quota. Other demands included implementing the children’s gold-ring scheme via the Revenue or Social Welfare Department rather than doctors; discontinuing plans to appoint IAS officers to senior medical positions; retaining the Deputy Director of Tuberculosis post; maintaining reservation policies in contractual appointments; and withdrawing what they termed retaliatory actions taken against Dr. Perumal Pillai, a leader of the Government Doctors’ Legal Battle Committee.