In a significant move addressing long-standing demands, the Tamil Nadu government has announced a major step towards regularizing contract nurses in the state's healthcare system. This decision, which follows direct instructions from Chief Minister M K Stalin, has already led to the withdrawal of a protest by nurses.
First Phase Targets 1,000 Nurses
State Health Minister Ma Subramanian revealed the plan on Tuesday after holding crucial talks. The government will initially regularize 1,000 contract nurses in the first phase of this initiative. The remaining nurses appointed on a contractual basis will be absorbed into permanent posts in a staged manner over subsequent phases.
The announcement had an immediate impact, as nurses who were appointed through the Medical Services Recruitment Board and were protesting called off their agitation following the minister's assurance.
Creating New Posts and Clearing Promotions
To facilitate this large-scale regularization process, the health minister outlined a two-pronged approach. The government will create new permanent posts within the system. Additionally, all pending promotions for nursing staff will be cleared to make room for the new appointments.
Minister Subramanian provided context by noting the government's track record on this issue. He stated that since the year 2021, a total of 4,825 contract nurses have already been regularized by the state administration, highlighting a continued effort to stabilize the nursing workforce.
Enhanced Benefits for Nursing Staff
Alongside the regularization news, the minister announced an important policy enhancement for nurses' welfare. The state government will extend paid maternity leave for nurses in line with the provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act. A formal government order to implement this extension will be issued shortly.
This dual announcement of job security through regularization and improved working conditions through extended maternity leave marks a substantial policy shift aimed at strengthening Tamil Nadu's public health infrastructure by supporting its frontline workers.
