Allow Kerala doctors to retire at 55

In a nasty craft the LDF Cabinet in Kerala resolved to make the retirement age of doctors at the government medical colleges in the state 60 instead of the present 55. The cash crusty Finance Department has thus saved a good sum for next five years by withholding the retirement pay out to doctors. The next shot will be in the case of teachers in Government and Affiliated colleges and there too the Government can withhold a good sum for next five years. And after that hike of age will be extended to Government employees and aided school teachers. The sum so saved could be profitably used for ‘so called’ development work for deceiving the public. And after five years it is not the business of present minister to look into affair of State Finance. Let the State go to the dogs then.

I wonder why Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan is allowing this professor doctor Finance Minister to spoil the State Finance in this way. Why he is not thinking about the sad plight unemployed educated youths searching for job? Is there no passed out doctors in the State suited for fresh recruitment?

The report that a large section of the doctors were favoring early retirement is cooked up one as it is intended to pressurise the Government. If they have better opening in private hospitals they may be allowed to choose it. Voluntary retirement should be allowed to practicing doctors. Most of the doctors now in government hospitals enjoy private practice as a part time job. What is the harm then in allowing them to do that job as full time after 55?

K A Solaman