HC dismisses plea to post dialysis technicians in GHs

Madurai: Taking into account the fact that the state govt had taken a policy decision to ban creation of new posts, Madras high court dismissed a plea seeking a direction to appoint permanent and qualified dialysis technicians in govt hospitals.
Activist C Anand Raj of Madurai said in a public interest litigation petition filed in 2024 that dialysis treatment was being carried out in govt hospitals with temporary staff and trainees. This would affect the quality of treatment for patients. Since there was shortage of dialysis technicians in all govt hospitals in the southern districts, he had moved court seeking a direction in this regard. Earlier, the director of medical education and research (DME) submitted a proposal to the govt justifying the creation of dialysis technician posts.
In an additional affidavit, the principal secretary in health and family welfare department submitted that already 268 dialysis technicians with the prescribed qualification were recruited and were working in govt medical colleges and hospitals. They were rendering excellent health care to dialysis patients round the clock. This apart, students undergoing BSc Dialysis four-year course with sanctioned seats of 240 and diploma course with sanctioned seats of 397 in govt medical colleges were being trained under the supervision of existing nephrologists and dialysis technicians. All medical institutions are functioning with sufficient number of dialysis technicians.
Regarding the DME's proposal for creation of new posts of dialysis technicians, the official said that the govt had taken a policy decision banning creation of new posts in all departments. Hence, the proposal could not be considered by the govt. A division bench of Justices J Nisha Banu and S Srimathy observed that creation of new posts and recruitment of candidates fall within the realm of policy decision of the govt. The govt cannot be forced to create new posts through court orders when it had taken a policy decision against it. Hence, the petition cannot be entertained, the judges observed, and dismissed it.