Madurai: Government medical college hospitals in Tamil Nadu have announced vacancies for 'Occupational Therapists', prompting calls for the state government to expedite recruitment.

The District Early Intervention Centers (DEICs), operational in all government hospitals, provide treatment for children born with physical and mental disabilities. These centers function in coordination with the Child Welfare Department under the National Health Mission (NHM).

Various specialists, including experts in mental health, chiropractic care, special education, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, assess and provide treatment based on each child's needs. While doctors and nurses have been appointed, most specialist positions are temporary, and the occupational therapy posts remain vacant.

Occupational therapists play a critical role in training children with paralysis or other motor disabilities to perform daily activities independently—such as brushing, bathing, dressing, eating, and walking.

Currently, over 500 children under 18 in each district are awaiting this therapy, which is crucial for enabling independent living. Experts and child welfare advocates have urged the Tamil Nadu government to immediately fill these vacant posts across the state.