Doctors appeal for implementation of rotational transfer policy

Srinagar, Sep 14: Doctors from Kashmir, who had been transferred to Jammu in 2019, have demanded that the government implements rotational transfer policy, and repatriates them to districts in Kashmir. They have alleged a partisan approach in posting of doctors from Kashmir and Jammu division.

In a letter seeking attention of the government, the doctors said 150 doctors  from Kashmir were transferred from Kashmir to Jammu after abrogation of Article 370. "Notably, no doctors were transferred from Jammu to Kashmir during this process," they said. They said they were provided verbal assurance from the then Secretary of Health and Medical Education that a rotational policy would be implemented after two years to ensure fairness. "This rotational policy was, in fact, introduced in 2023," the letter said.

"However, those of us who were transferred to Jammu continue to remain in the same postings, while others have benefitted from the policy," they further alleged. "This has left us high and dry, despite the earlier commitments."

They have demanded that the Health and Medical Education Department honours its previous assurances and transfers them back to Kashmir division. "The Government must implement its rotational policy, or at the very least, provide a clear and time-bound roadmap for our transfers," they sought.

The doctors said they believe in serving wherever they are posted. "But fairness, equity, and transparency must guide such decisions," they said.