Date:03/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/03/stories/2007070351211002.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Welcome

The news that the Union Health Ministry has approved the proposal for one-year compulsory rural posting for doctors (July 1) is welcome. In view of the shortage of qualified doctors in villages and inaccessible areas, quacks play with the lives of patients. There is no doubt that the Medical Council of India will give its nod to the proposal.

In addition to posting fresh medical graduates to villages, the government should ensure that drugs, medical equipment, and technical manpower are available. No purpose will be served by posting doctors to centres that have no medicine or para-medical assistance. Senior medical officers should be made in charge of the health centres where graduates are posted.

Dr. J.P. Reddy,
Nalgonda

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While I welcome the proposal, I feel compulsory rural posting will come in the way of those who want to prepare for civil service examinations and other courses that prescribe an upper age limit.

M. Bharath Chandra,
Hyderabad