DHS Kashmir issues circular to put cap on transfers of doctors

The purpose of this decision is to guarantee the continuous and sufficient execution of government programs and policies while streamlining processes. Authorities pointed out that allowing transfers outside the decided period could have a pernicious effect on the smooth functioning of healthcare facilities. 

Speaking to Greater Kashmir, Director of Health Services Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, explained that the constant influx of transfer requests had been hindering the smooth functioning of the department. Hence, the department decided that instead of carrying out transfers throughout the whole year, the process should be restricted to the beginning of each financial year. “The transfers shall ordinarily be ordered in the first month of the financial year, i.e. in April of every year, so far transfer policy notified by the Government vide Order No. 861-GA of 2010, dated July 28 of 2010 is concerned,” the circular stated.

Addressing concerns about doctors recruited on a reserved category basis now being posted in towns and cities, Dr Rather clarified that no such doctor initially assigned to remote areas had been relocated to urban centers. In fact, doctors from towns and cities to remote areas to enhance healthcare services, reports the Daily.

According to the circular, the decision to allow transfers only in the first month of the financial year was made following directives from the General Administration Department (GAD) and the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department. The circular highlighted that officers were seen approaching the Directorate or the Administrative Department directly for transfers, which has been taken seriously by the authorities.

“Despite of clear cut standing instructions from the General Administrative Department vide Order No. 948-1K(GAD) of 2020, dated October 15 of 2020, and from the Administrative Department, Health & Medical Education, J&K vide No. 16-3K (HME) of 2024, dated July 18 of 2024, the Drawing and Disbursing Officer of this department are still forwarding the cases of employees to this directorate or to the administrative department for their inter cadre deputation on reciprocal basis or for transfer/deputation from one cadre District to the other,” the circular reads.

“Transfers shall strictly be made only within the period notified in the calendar appearing in Para-B of the transfer Policy i.e. in the first month of the financial year (April every Year), as the practice of effecting transfers throughout the year is adversely affecting the implementation on of schemes and polices of the Government,” the DHSK circular reads.

According to the Daily, DHSK emphasized that all Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs), officers, and officials must refrain from directly approaching the Directorate or the administrative department for transfer issues. "These instructions are to be strictly followed, and any violation will result in strict disciplinary action under the rules without any further notice or intimation," the circular warned. This new policy is expected to bring more stability and focus to the department, ensuring that healthcare services are delivered more effectively across the region.