Date:06/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/06/stories/2009070658340300.htm

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Doctors call off strike; panel set up

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association (TNGDA) on Sunday called off their token strike called for Monday following the government’s decision to constitute a committee to examine their demands.

The committee, headed by Special Secretary (Finance) Praveen Kumar, will study the demands of government doctors and submit a report by month-end.The decision to appoint a panel was made after several rounds of discussions with TNGDA president Kanagasabapathy and general secretary S. Senthil.

The TNGDA had announced the one-day token strike to press for implementing the “Special Doctors Promotion Scheme” that would provide pay parity to levels recommended by the 6th Central Pay Commission and Dynamic Assured Career Progression for State doctors. Health Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam said the panel would include the Director of Medical Education, the Director of Medical and Rural Health Services and two members of the TNGDA.

The government also assured the TNGDA that the panel’s recommendations would be examined and orders issued within a month of submission, Mr. Panneerselvam said.

An estimated 12,000 doctors were expected to participate in the strike.