Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Nov 12: An order of transfer of Medical Superintendent LD hospital issued by Director Health Services Kashmir has raised eyebrows as it said that order is an intrusion into the area of responsibility of Principal GMC Srinagar.
“Funny things can happen in J&K Director, Health Services, (K) transgresses jurisdictional powers of GMC Principal @drsamiarashid, shifts in/out Med Suptd of Lal Ded hospital. @HealthMedicalE1, who runs LD hospital – Dir, Health or GMC Principle? Fued out in open?” tweeted a senior journalist of Kashmir while sharing transfer order copy on his handle.
Dr Shahir Ahmad Sidiqui, Consultant Anaesthesiology, presently looking after the charge of the post of Medical Superintendent, Lal Ded Hospital, Srinagar is transferred and is directed to report in the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir for working as Nodal Officer for the establishment of Intensive Care Units (ICUNICU/PICU) in all the District Hospitals of Kashmir Division.” Reads the order issued by Director health services of Kashmir on dated November 10.
Dr Muzaffar Hussain Sherwani, Medical Officer, presently looking after the charge of the post of Medical Superintendent, District Hospital, Budgam is transferred and posted in Lal Ded Hospital Srinagar. “He shall also look after the charge of the post of Medical Superintendent, Lal Ded Hospital, Srinagar till regular arrangement is made. Dr Mohd Ayoub Fateh Khan, Medical Officer, District Hospital Budgam shall look after the charge of the post of Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Budgam, in addition to his own duties, till regular establishment is made,” the order reads.
It further states that the arrangement in respect of these doctors is made purely on temporary basis and shall not confer any right on these doctors to claim preferential treatment at the time of promotions/regularizations, which shall be made strictly in accordance with the rules. “The arrangement shall be without prejudice to the outcome of writ petitions, if any, pending before any competent court of law,” the order adds further.
However, on October 12, same order was issued by Additional Chief Secretary Health and Medical Education Vivek Bhardwaj.
Dr Mir Mushtaq spokesperson of Directorate of Health Services Kashmir said that Medical Superintendent LD is basically an employee of the health department and the director can repatriate him back on directions of Additional Chief Secretary Health and Medical education.
Principal GMC Srinagar could not be contacted as she didn’t receive the call.
Meanwhile, Additional Chief Secretary Health and Medical Education Vivek Bhardwaj said, “The MS is a consultant and therefore an employee under the Director. The DHSK is well within his rights to transfer his employees,” he said.
He added that the services of transferred employee are proposed to be utilised for something very critical that is establishing ICUs in Kashmir etc.
