STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Wednesday expressed anguish over political interference in transfers and postings of doctors which is responsible for healthcare mess.
Describing it as the biggest issue plaguing the health sector, President DAK, Dr Nisar ul Hassan said political meddling has ruined the health department which is in complete shambles.
“This was admitted on Monday by Health Minister of JK State on the floor of the Assembly who said political interference has destroyed the health department,” he said.
“Influential get prize postings and those who do not have political connections are handed out punishment postings,” he said adding that blue-eyed doctors remain posted on their places of choice for decades and voiceless suffer.
On one hand, politicians cry from roof tops on non-availability of doctors in far flung areas, on the other hand on their directions, doctors are posted in and around city, he said.
As a result of this, peripheral hospitals have become mere referral stations where people even with minor ailments are referred to tertiary care hospitals, he said.
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 fifteen 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, he suggested.