Taking into account the plight of Siddha doctors in the State, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday directed the government to reply when its order of 2011 on time-bound promotions for Siddha doctors would be implemented.
A Division Bench of Justices N. Kirubakaran and S. S. Sundar observed that many Siddha doctors were retiring without promotion and suffering, as a result. Though Siddha doctors had be treated on par with Allopathic doctors, the promotion chances of Siddha doctors were bleak. The State should ensure that their treatment was on par with Allopathic doctors.
The court put forth a series of questions for the State to respond. In the case of old age ailments, would the State open geriatric outpatient wards at taluk-level hospitals and would it set up mobile Siddha medical teams were some of its questions. The court also sought a response on the appointment of Siddha medical officers and budgetary allocation.
Further, it asked if a separate University for Ayush that comprised Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy would be set up in the State.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation petition filed by K. Murugesan of Madurai, who sought a direction to the Centre and State to allot funds for the development of Siddha medicine. The case was adjourned to April 24.