Srinagar, July 27: Devised ‘in the interest of patient care and smooth functioning of health institutions’, the transfer policy of the State Health Department is however badly affecting healthcare in J&K hospitals.
 The transfers/postings of specialists, assistant surgeons and other officials are being allegedly undertaken in contrary to Policy’s mandate.
 Official sources told Greater Kashmir that the transfer policy clearly states that transfers shall be undertaken in the first month of financial year to take due care of patients and to manage the affairs of health institutions properly. “But transfers are being undertaken at any time with the consent of few people who hold key positions in the department,” they said.
 Health and Medical Education Department vide order No 210-HME of 2012 dated 13-03-2012 has formulated the Transfer Policy to ensure smooth functioning of health institutions. The Policy states that it is imperative for the department to maintain a complete database on postings/transfers of the employees. “Postings shall be made on rotational basis to sensitive/non-sensitive posts. The department shall identify sensitive/non-sensitive posts for posting of officers with the approval of concerned minster,” the document states.
 The official sources also disclosed that apart from ill-timed transfers, some medicos have not been transferred for over 10-15 years.
 While the Transfer Policy recommends that transfer orders once issued must be strictly complied with, the sources said transfers of medicos and other officials to far-off areas were being cancelled after “political pressure”.
 According to the Transfer Policy, the maximum tenure of a government employee in the department on a post shall be two-three years. “But transfers have not been undertaken in the case of officials who have been on a same post over the more than five years,” the sources said.
 Director Heath Services, Kashmir, Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman however claimed that the Transfer Policy is being implemented “reasonably” on ground. “Transfers are undertaken on genuine grounds. We cannot have posts vacant till a financial year begins,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 27 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 27 Jul 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 28 Jul 2012 00:00:00 IST