Sat Nov 16 00:48:34 IST 2024: ## Tamil Nadu Health Minister Orders Inspection of Wellness Centres After Doctor Absenteeism Revealed
**Chennai, November 16, 2024** – Tamil Nadu Health Minister M. Subramanian has ordered periodic inspections of all health and wellness centres across the state following the discovery of widespread doctor absenteeism during evening hours. During a review meeting on Friday at the Directorate of Medical and Rural Services, the Minister expressed surprise at the lack of evening doctor coverage at the 708 wellness centres, which are mandated to operate from 8 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The centres, staffed with doctors, nurses, assistants, and sanitary workers recruited through the district health and welfare society, are facing staffing issues. Minister Subramanian stated that while doctors were informed of the required evening hours, they are consistently failing to meet their obligations. He instructed health officials to immediately inform the district collector if any clinic is not functioning as scheduled.
The state is also actively addressing a significant number of vacancies within the health sector. The Directorate of Public Health alone has 1,353 vacancies, with an estimated 1,200 more expected by 2026. A total of 2,553 doctor vacancies are anticipated, and applications for recruitment have been received. Certificate verification and recruitment examinations will be held soon. Steps are also being taken to fill vacancies under the Directorates of Medical and Rural Services and Medical Education and Research, including 1,066 health inspector and 2,250 village health nurse positions, pending a court verdict.
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