Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian is facing intense criticism for his apparent disregard for a differently-abled doctor who, despite suffering from polio and motor disabilities since childhood, has been dedicatedly serving the state’s citizens since 1986.
On 29 July 2024, Health Minister Ma Subramanian attended an award ceremony organized by the Tamil Nadu Medical Council to present the Medical Council Awards 2024. These awards, recognizing excellence in various fields of medicine, were given in three categories: eminent medical teacher, specialities and research, and outstanding service in socio-medical relief. Ten doctors received these honours.
Among the recipients was Dr. Devaraj, a government doctor who has served the state for over 35 years despite enduring motor disabilities due to polio in his childhood. Dr. Devaraj shared his personal journey with reporters, recounting how he faced teasing and bullying and was often dependent on others despite his strong desire to study. His family was unsupportive except for his sister, who took him to and from school. Despite significant criticism and challenges, Dr. Devaraj persevered, graduated with an MD in General Medicine from Coimbatore Medical College in 1986, and served in various positions, including as District Joint Director of Medical Services from 2008 to 2009. After retirement, he contributed to public welfare as the chairman of the Red Cross Society, organizing numerous blood drives, general medicine camps, flood relief efforts, and other community services.
During the award ceremony, the organizers prominently positioned Dr. Devaraj next to Health Minister Ma Subramanian for the photo session. However, after the photo was taken, Dr. Devaraj looked at the minister respectfully, but Ma Subramanian did not acknowledge him and appeared to neglect him. This incident led to widespread criticism of the Tamil Nadu Health Minister from netizens.
“ 69 ஆண்டுகள் மருத்துவத்துடன் கூடிய பொது சேவை..! ” 4 வயதில் போலியோவால் பாதிக்கப்பட்டு ஒரு காலை இழந்தேன்.. பெற்றோரின் எதிர்ப்பு., சக மாணவர்களின் கிண்டல் என எல்லாவற்றையும் தாண்டி செய்த சேவைக்கு சிறந்த மருத்துவருக்கான விருது கொடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.. விருது பெற்ற பின் ஓய்வு பெற்ற அரசு… pic.twitter.com/MLCkc3ZSTH
— Polimer News (@polimernews) July 29, 2024
One netizen remarked that the differently abled doctor should have been honored and celebrated, but the minister simply passed by without acknowledging him. Another person questioned whether the minister’s lack of recognition was due to the doctor’s disability. A different netizen criticized the minister for failing to show any regard for the doctor, while another lamented the lack of attention the minister gave to Dr. Devaraj.
தலையில் தூக்கி கொண்டடிருக்க வேண்டியவர் . அமைச்சர் கண்டுகொள்ளாமல் கடந்து செல்கிறார்
மாற்று திறனாளி அதானே ? 🥲— Adhan (@Adhaavan) July 29, 2024
miNister avara oru manushana kuda madhikala
— sidharth – Say No to Drugs and Dmk (@engineer631480) July 29, 2024
Minister periya venna pola kandukama poran
— Arunkumar (@Arundr05) July 29, 2024
அமைச்சர் இவரை கண்டு கொள்ளவே இல்லை பாருங்க 😳
— உக்கிரன் கோ (@ukkiranko) July 29, 2024
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