TNGDA seeks action against Madurai health official for unprofessional conduct
Madurai: The Tamil Nadu Government Doctors Association (TNGDA) has demanded strict action against Dr P Kumaragurubaran, deputy director of health services (DDHS), Madurai, following allegations of workplace harassment and unprofessional conduct during official meetings.
According to TNGDA, several medical officers recently lodged complaints accusing the DDHS of using abusive language during video conference meetings. A formal complaint was filed with the director of public health on May 17, and an inquiry was conducted on May 24 by the joint director of health services. Around 25 doctors reportedly appeared for the inquiry and submitted their statements.
The controversy escalated on Sunday when a video allegedly showing Dr Kumaragurubaran using inappropriate language and gestures during an online meeting was anonymously shared on social media, where it quickly went viral.
TNGDA condemned his behaviour, calling it unacceptable and unprofessional.
TNGDA state president Dr K Senthil told TOI that doctors had also complained about extended video meetings held beyond official working hours, with claims that women staff were made to stay back late unnecessarily. "If the DDHS needed to take disciplinary action, it should have been done through proper channels," he said.
As a mark of protest, TNGDA announced that its members will boycott communication with Dr Kumaragurubaran until action is taken. "Doctors have been instructed to block him on WhatsApp and respond only to official circulars. Leave applications will be routed directly through the district health office via email. Patient care will not be affected," Dr Senthil clarified, warning that the association will escalate its protest if the issue is not addressed.
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