Chennai, Tamil Nadu Health Minister K G Arunraj on Monday questioned the haste of the multi-purpose health workers in launching an agitation, barely five days after submitting their charter of demands.
Additionally, a government order for seven new nursing colleges announced in the budget is expected shortly, he said. Over 2,500 workers, who have been working on a daily-wage basis in government multi-specialty hospitals across Tamil Nadu, had announced a hunger strike near Rajarathinam Stadium in Chennai on Monday.
“Only some five days ago they had come to meet me in my chamber. They had submitted the list of their demands. But what is the need for having a protest within five days,” he asked. Addressing similar unrest among the medical fraternity following the detainment of protesting government doctors, Arunraj expressed disappointment that their agitation had resumed despite recent talks. Responding to complaints regarding hospital infrastructure, he reiterated the chief minister’s directive to prioritise the patient experience by reducing wait times and ensuring clean toilets and adequate drinking water in government facilities.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a valedictory event held at Kalaivanar Arangam for a two-month-long, statewide HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections’ awareness campaign, Arunraj said the government needs time to examine and fulfill demands “step-by-step”. I said we will definitely be examining their proposals and step-by-step we will be fulfilling them. Pointing out that negotiations were held just last week, he said the government had assured the doctors that their grievances were being actively reviewed in consultation with department officials and the chief minister to reach a decision.
