Latest news with #PKumaragurubaran
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
TNGDA seeks action against Madurai health official for unprofessional conduct
Madurai: The Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association (TNGDA) has demanded strict action against Dr P Kumaragurubaran, deputy director of health services (DDHS), Madurai, following allegations of workplace harassment and unprofessional conduct during official meetings. According to TNGDA, several medical officers recently lodged complaints accusing the DDHS of using abusive language during video conference meetings. A formal complaint was filed with the director of public health on May 17, and an inquiry was conducted on May 24 by the joint director of health services. Around 25 doctors reportedly appeared for the inquiry and submitted their statements. The controversy escalated on Sunday when a video allegedly showing Dr Kumaragurubaran using inappropriate language and gestures during an online meeting was anonymously shared on social media, where it quickly went viral. TNGDA condemned his behaviour, calling it unacceptable and unprofessional. TNGDA state president Dr K Senthil told TOI that doctors had also complained about extended video meetings held beyond official working hours, with claims that women staff were made to stay back late unnecessarily. "If the DDHS needed to take disciplinary action, it should have been done through proper channels," he said. As a mark of protest, TNGDA announced that its members will boycott communication with Dr Kumaragurubaran until action is taken. "Doctors have been instructed to block him on WhatsApp and respond only to official circulars. Leave applications will be routed directly through the district health office via email. Patient care will not be affected," Dr Senthil clarified, warning that the association will escalate its protest if the issue is not addressed. MSID:: 121417958 413 |
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Improved care brings down infant, maternal deaths in Madurai
Madurai: Improved awareness around maternal health, even in rural areas, has led to a growing preference for deliveries at tertiary care hospitals, both government and private, across Madurai district. Health officials say this shift has contributed to a notable decline in infant and maternal mortality rates. Meanwhile, teen pregnancy remains a concern, even as the overall live births saw a decline in 2024-2025. According to official data accessed by TOI, live births in the district dropped from around 40,000 in 2023–24 to 36,000 in 2024–25. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) fell to 8.2 per 1,000 live births, while the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) declined to 22 per 1 lakh live births. The number of infant deaths decreased from 385 to 298, and maternal deaths halved from 16 to 8 during the same period. "All high-risk and C-section cases are now referred to tertiary care centres," said Dr P Kumaragurubaran, deputy director of health services, Madurai. "High-risk pregnancies have risen by 35%, making specialist care essential. Families increasingly prefer the presence of a gynaecologist and paediatrician during deliveries." Normal deliveries continue in Primary Health Centres (PHCs), but their share has sharply declined—only 606 deliveries were recorded in 2024–25. While staff availability isn't a major issue, patients often perceive PHCs as lacking in quality care. "Only PHCs in underserved areas still see regular deliveries," said a health official, noting that government hospitals still handle more deliveries than private ones in the district. Health activist C Anand Raj highlighted gaps in PHC infrastructure, calling for more staff and better facilities. "Vacancies must be filled, and schemes like the Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme need to be fully implemented. Though ultrasound machines are being introduced in PHCs, trained radiologists are lacking," he said. Teen pregnancy still remains a concern. The rate rose to 1.71% in 2024–25 from 0.97% the previous year, with cases increasing from 450 to 675. In such instances, doctors notify the Social Welfare Department and the police for follow-up action. MSID:: 120648126 413 |
