Seniority ignored as favouritism, nepotism mars Health deptt

Srinagar, Nov 20: Jammu and Kashmir’s health department continues to be marred by blatant disregard for seniority in promoting doctors to key administrative posts, sparking outrage among the medical fraternity.
Unlike other government departments, where promotions are based on a transparent seniority based system, the health department has long been a haven for favouritism and nepotism.
Influential doctors, often lacking both merit and seniority, secure plum postings near their homes or in positions of their choice.
In stark contrast, the deserving and senior doctors are relegated to lower ranks and often to remote and inconvenient locations for years with their pleas for promotion or transfers either ignored or dismissed without explanation. This biased system has caused frustration and disillusionment among many hardworking professionals.
This unjust practice has been continuing unabated in all previous governments. A flicker of hope has arisen amongst the professionals after the promises made by the Chief Minister during the election campaign.
The CM had assured “Justice for all” but has yet to address this deep rooted issue.
Doctors across the region urged the CM and the Health Minister to personally intervene in this matter, ensuring fair treatment for all medical professionals. Failure to do so will send a clear message that the promises of justice and equality were merely political rhetoric, they said.
It is high time the government takes decisive action to reform the health department and restore faith in its administrative processes and simultaneously prove by their deeds that this time there will be a difference, they added.