Date:24/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/24/stories/2007112462451000.htm

Tamil Nadu

AIADMK plans demos in support of medicos’ stir

Special Correspondent

Move will affect future of students: Jayalalithaa
Extending duration of the course is “condemnable”

CHENNAI: The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam will organise demonstrations in 13 places on November 27 in support of medical students protesting against the Centre’s plans to make a year’s rural service compulsory.

In a statement here on Friday, party general secretary Jayalalithaa said the proposed move would adversely affect the future of medical students, especially those in rural areas.

Provision in curriculum

There was provision in the present curriculum for the students to work in rural areas. If they were appointed doctors and posted in rural areas after completing the course in five and a half years, they would be happy to work there.

Instead, the Centre wanted to extend the duration of course by one more year, which was “condemnable.”

Reconsider decision, says Vaiko

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko, in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, wanted the Centre to reconsider the decision to make rural service compulsory for medicos and maintain status quo.