30-06-2025
Govt doctors protest seeking action against official
Madurai: The Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association (TNGDA) on Monday sought strict action against the deputy director of health services (DDHS), Madurai, following complaints of workplace harassment from medical officers.
Earlier, a video clip of the official using unparliamentary language during an online meeting went viral on social media platforms.
The protest was held after working hours. Protesters said they had submitted a complaint against the official earlier, but no action has been taken so far.
TNGDA state president K Senthil told TOI that they received complaints from several doctors regarding the conduct of Dr P Kumaragurubaran.
On May 17, a formal complaint was lodged with the director of public health regarding the same, and on May 24, an inquiry was conducted by the joint director of health services. Around 25 doctors appeared during the inquiry and gave statements, but no action has been taken, he said.
"The DDHS is now using different coercive measures to insult doctors indirectly through other workers," he added.
The TNGDA on Monday announced that doctors will boycott and avoid communication with Kumaragurubaran until disciplinary action is taken against him. "We have asked doctors to block him and not respond to him on WhatsApp and instead heed only orders issued through official circulars. Even leaves would be applied and submitted to the district health office by mail. No service to patients would be affected by the boycott.
If our demand is not met, we will intensify the protest," Senthil added.
