Chennai, February 9, 2026: The Tamil Nadu Medical Officers Association (TNMOA) has opposed the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) over its decision to reduce pediatrician posts in government medical colleges across the state. The move involves surrendering seven assistant professor posts in pediatrics to create seven neonatologist positions for Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) services.
According to the letter issued by DME, the pediatrics posts were identified as surplus based on norms given by National Medical Commission (NMC). As a result, assistant professors from teaching hospitals are being diverted and reassigned as neonatologists in CEmONC facilities.
The seven assistant professor posts proposed for surrender include:
One post each from Government Medical College Hospital of Tiruvannamalai, Kilpauk, Vellore, Madurai, Tirunelveli, and
Two posts from Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital, Salem
CEmONC centers in Tamil Nadu were established following a Government Order issued in September 2004 to strengthen emergency maternal and newborn care across the state and reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.
During Phase 1, 66 CEmONC centers were set up, including 52 project hospitals and 14 tertiary care centers, ensuring that travel time for emergency obstetric care was reduced to approximately one hour.
In Phase 2, 32 additional centers were established, followed by 27 centers in Phase 3, significantly expanding the state’s emergency care network.
Each CEmONC center is designed to provide comprehensive care for mothers and newborns. The centers are staffed with obstetricians, pediatricians, medical officers, staff nurses, laboratory technicians, and support staff.
To ensure quality care, the state invested heavily in both training and physical infrastructure. A total of 508 doctor positions and 562 nursing positions have been sanctioned and filled exclusively for CEmONC services.
The centers are equipped with fully functional maternity blocks. This include labor wards, operation theaters, blood banks or blood storage units, newborn wards, neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and isolation wards. Infrastructure development worth ₹150 crore and medical equipment worth ₹40 crore has been provided to CEmONC centers across the state.
Despite the importance of CEmONC services, the TNMOA has strongly criticized the DME’s decision to reassign teaching faculty. The association stated that the move weakens the healthcare system rather than strengthening it, particularly medical education and tertiary care services.
In a statement, the TNMOA highlighted that over the past two years:
56 Primary Health Center (PHC) medical officer posts were reduced
More than 1,000 specialist posts were cut under the justification of redeployment
The association warned that reducing healthcare manpower ultimately has a direct and negative impact on public health outcomes.
(Rh/VK)
