Fri Mar 07 14:48:25 UTC 2025: **Chennai Addresses Doctor Shortage in City Health Centers**
CHENNAI, March 7, 2025 – The Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH) in Tamil Nadu is deploying medical officers to primary health centers (PHCs) within the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to alleviate a critical doctor shortage. This initiative, announced late Friday, will see medical officers transferred from the DPH to GCC PHCs for a three-year term, with possible extensions under exceptional circumstances.
Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, T.S. Selvavinayagam, stated that this deployment leverages existing provisions and benefits from the recent recruitment of over 2,600 doctors. Medical officers must meet specific criteria, including probationary approval and the absence of pending disciplinary actions, and their participation is voluntary.
The DPH is requesting letters of willingness from eligible medical officers. While the standard deputation period is three years, extensions are possible on a case-by-case basis. The DPH also retains the right to recall officers if their services are needed elsewhere. The move is seen as a significant step towards improving healthcare access in Chennai.
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