Doctors' Association Opposes TN Assembly NEET Resolution in Chennai

The Doctors’ Association for Social Equality opposed the Tamil Nadu government’s resolution seeking the nationwide abolition of NEET, speaking at a press conference in Chennai on Wednesday. Instead of pushing for a complete national abolition, the association urged the State government to seek a permanent exemption specifically for undergraduate, postgraduate, and super-speciality medical seats under Tamil Nadu’s own control.

Elaborating on their stance against nationwide abolition, the association stated that doing away with NEET across the country could inadvertently benefit private medical colleges and deemed universities. It warned that such a move would ultimately increase the financial and educational burden placed on poor and middle-class students aspiring to enter the medical field.

The association also disputed recent arguments put forward by the Health Minister regarding NEET and rural healthcare delivery. According to the medical body, NEET has not hindered rural service, noting that more than 1,000 NEET-qualified doctors are currently serving in rural Primary Health Centres throughout the region.

Furthermore, the association asserted that NEET was not the sole factor responsible for the lower representation of disadvantaged students in medical education. To address the issue systematically, the group requested the establishment of an expert committee to examine the root causes. It also sought an increase in financial educational assistance for students admitted under the 7.5 per cent government-school quota.

In addition to medical admissions policy, the association strongly criticised Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar over his reported anti-abortion remarks. The association stated that his statements undermined women’s reproductive rights and urged the Speaker to refrain from making such comments.

The association raised several other administrative demands during the press meet. It urged the government to implement the children’s gold-ring scheme through the Revenue or Social Welfare Department instead of involving doctors. It also called for dropping attempts to appoint IAS officers to senior medical posts, retaining the post of Deputy Director of Tuberculosis, implementing reservation policies in contractual appointments, and withdrawing retaliatory action against Dr. Perumal Pillai, leader of the Government Doctors’ Legal Battle Committee.