Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 30: The Doctors Association of Kashmir (DAK) today expressed concern over the “obstacles” being created for medical officers seeking No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to pursue higher studies.
As per existing government orders, the association stated, every medical officer who has completed five years of uninterrupted service is eligible to apply for an NOC to pursue Post Graduate (PG) programs.
“However, many medical officers are now being arbitrarily denied this opportunity,” DAK alleged.
The association noted that historically, the requirement for rural service was scrapped, and 50% of DNB seats were allocated for in-service doctors in Jammu and Kashmir, enabling them to enhance their skills and expertise.
“This system was designed to ensure equal opportunities for doctors to advance professionally while continuing to serve the region’s healthcare needs.”
Dr. M.Y. Tak, President of DAK, stated that this year, many Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs), including BMOs, CMOs, and Medical Superintendents, are refusing to grant NOCs to eligible doctors.
He pointed to a recent circular from the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) that mandates DDOs to confirm in writing that granting an NOC will not disrupt operations in their respective hospitals or blocks.
“This requirement has become a significant barrier, with these officers using it as a pretext to deny NOCs, disregarding the dedicated service of medical officers who have worked in rural and field areas for 5 to 15 years,” Dr. Tak said.
Dr. Owais H. Dar, General Secretary of DAK, emphasized that pursuing higher studies is a fundamental right of medical officers and is crucial for maintaining and improving the quality of healthcare services.
“Denying this right not only contravenes Government policies but also demoralizes the medical fraternity,” he added.
Dr. Arshad H. Trag, Senior Vice President of DAK, urged the Government to reduce the mandatory five-year service requirement to three years, allowing medical officers to apply for NOCs sooner.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
