Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 8: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today expressed anguish over alleged political interference in transfers and postings of doctors which is responsible for healthcare mess.
Describing it as the biggest issue plaguing the health sector, the DAK president Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan said political meddling has ruined the Health Department which is in complete shambles. “This was admitted by Health Minister on the floor of the Assembly who said political interference has destroyed the Health Department. You have to approach MLA or a Minister especially from the ruling party to get transfer or posting,” he said.
The DAK president said approach is the only way for a doctor to get transferred and those who do not have it, their applications will not be considered. “It is only on the recommendation of a politician or a bureaucrat that a doctor gets relocated. Influentials get prized postings and those who do not have political connections are handed out punishment postings,” said Dr Nisar.
He said blue-eyed doctors remain posted on their places of choice for decades and voiceless suffer.
He said many specialist doctors of Health Department have been posted on the instructions of politicians in Medical Colleges and their Associated Hospitals thus depriving people in far flung areas of specialists care.
“As per the policy, a doctor can be posted at a place from two to three years, but there are doctors who are constantly posted at one place for more than 15 years. The only way to end the menace of political favoritism in transfer of doctors is to ensure implementation of transfer policy in letter and spirit,” Dr Nisar added.
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