In a move raising suspicions on government's intention to raise the retirement age of Medicos, the upper age limit of service quota doctors for PG Courses has been increased. The decision has already drawn flak with a majority coming out saying that it could be the first step towards increasing the retirement age of doctors and restricting recruitment.
As per the new guidelines for PG Medical Courses, the upper age limit for PG Degree course is 52 while its 53 for PG Diploma, and has to furnish a bond to work for 5 years, which means they will be in service even after retiring at 56. The degree course is for three years and diploma for 2 years. As per the bond, they should serve for 5 years, which means until 60 years they can be in service.
Once the doctors complete the course, they are bound to work for another 5 years, which means no recruitment is done. This is clearly a step towards increasing the retirement age, the doctors said.
Stating that there was no issue with respect to the increase of age, Kerala Government Medical Officers Association state president Dr E P Mohanan said ''as such there is no issue and recruitment is taking place. The admission in the service quota is like a bonus for the service that a doctor has rendered all his life.''
Moreover, he said that the bond is not mandatory unless the government insists it. When asked if it would not be draining the exchequer as the doctors pursuing the course are studying with government money, Mohanan said ''the issue raises only if deputation comes into affect. As of now, no deputation is given.''
Meanwhile, Kerala Government Specialist Doctors Association (KGSDA) secretary Dr Sunjith Ravi mentioned that deputation should not be given. Apart from the increase of age, he pointed out that there was a disparity with regard to eligibility. ''The Prospects points out that service candidates selected for/undergone PG Degree course will not be eligible for selection under service quota for a second time. However, a candidate who has obtained PG Diploma under service quota is eligible to apply for degree course in the same specialty and is entitled to get service quota benefit. It is injustice to applicants who have entered the health service and the government should look into it,'' he said.
Source: The New Indian Express
http://epaper.newindianexpress.com/411720/The-New-Indian-Express-Thiruvananthapuram/07-01-2015#page/4/1
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