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Semmalai rules out talks with doctors

By Our Staff Reporter

SALEM MAY 18. A day after the State Government suspended 5,000 students and transferred several doctors, the Health Minister, S. Semmalai, today warned the Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association of stern action. The association has planned an indefinite strike from May 21.

Talking tough and brushing aside ``peace feelers'' from a few senior office-bearers, the Minister refused to hold talks with the doctors, insisting that their demand for withdrawal of an order on allowing private medical colleges was in no way connected to their profession.

If the doctors persisted with the plan of indefinite strike, the Government would be forced to take action as per law. Calling the strike "anti-people", Mr. Semmalai urged the doctors to behave responsibly, as their action would affect the people, who were ``their paymasters''.

As for the ongoing strike by medical students, he said the Government was always ready to hold a fresh round of talks, if they (the students) ended their agitation. Speaking to the media, he said the doctors need not be invited for talks, as they were trying to force the Government to address an issue, which did not concern them.

Reacting to a query that the doctors were demanding the withdrawal of GO (211) which facilitated opening of private colleges, Mr. Semmalai asked, "Who are they to put forward such demands."

He claimed that many senior physicians, mostly TNGDA members, were not willing to participate in the strike.

"But a small group of office-bearers of the TNGDA alone are stubbornly pursuing the idea of going on an indefinite strike to gain prominence.''

Related Stories:
5,000 students suspended, doctors also face action

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