
The Railway Hospital in Madurai Division has implemented new requirements for employees seeking medical treatment and sick leave, according to sources in the Southern Railway. Employees must now sign a document stating that they are not under any transfer or emergency duty orders, nor are they facing any disciplinary action. They must also acknowledge in writing that they have not been selected for any refresher or organizational training programs and will not leave the headquarters during their sick period.

Trade unions have expressed shock and concern over these conditions and have raised the issue with the management. The All India Loco Running Staff Association has written a letter to the Principal Chief Medical Director, expressing concern that sick leave is being denied to employees who fail or refuse to provide such a declaration.
The association argues that employees seeking medical attention should be granted sick leave regardless of their duty status, transfer orders, or training schedules. They believe that forcing employees to sign such a declaration against their will is unnecessary. In some cases, employees have been compelled to provide false declarations in order to receive treatment and sick leave. This has led to disciplinary action being taken against them based on these false declarations.
The Southern Railway Mazdoor Union has also raised the issue with the Chief Medical Superintendent and other senior railway officials. They believe that it is the responsibility of the administration, not the medical authorities, to manage manpower shortages and other related issues. They argue that the primary responsibility of medical authorities is to provide treatment to the sick.
When contacted for comments, a senior railway official in the Health Department stated that he was not aware of the issue as he had recently joined the department.