Lack of Transparency in Transfer Policy: Rural doctors seek transfers to Hyderabad

Protests Highlight Inequity in Transfer Policy

Recently, members of the Government Doctors' Association staged a protest in front of the Vaidya Vidhana Parishad office in Koti. Professor Sekhar from Nagarkurnool Medical College, speaking during the protest, criticized a previous government order (GO 48) that exempted doctors in institutions like Gandhi Medical College, Osmania Medical College, Kakatiya Medical College, and Nizamabad Medical College from transfers. He argued that this policy has allowed many doctors to remain in Hyderabad indefinitely, thereby neglecting those working in remote areas who are kept away from their families for prolonged periods.

The Telangana Teaching Government Doctors Association (TTGDA) State team on Tuesday had a conversation with Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha and expressed their disappointment over the lack of transparency in the transfer process. 

Call for Transparent Transfer Process

The Government Doctors' Association has been vocal in demanding that the current administration should address this issue. During a meeting with Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha, the Telangana Teaching Government Doctors’ Association (TTGDA) emphasized the need for a fair and transparent transfer policy. The association insisted that doctors who have served more than five years in peripheral medical colleges should be given priority in transfers to urban centres. 

“The transfers are taking place after seven years. This should be made without any restrictions; steps should be taken to benefit more people. In transfers, the long-standing in Hyderabad should be sent out and a chance given to those from outside,” they said. They also urged the implementation of a hardship allowance for those working in tribal and rural areas, suggesting a 50% allowance for tribal regions and at least 30% for other remote colleges.

Government's Response and Future Plans

In response to these concerns, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy assured the protesting doctors that a transparent transfer system would be established following the lifting of the model code of conduct. The government has recognized the need for equitable policies to ensure that doctors in rural and tribal areas receive fair treatment and support. The government is expected to review the existing transfer policy and make necessary amendments to address the issues raised by the medical community.

Impact on Rural Healthcare

The prolonged tenure of doctors in urban centres like Hyderabad have created a disparity in healthcare services between urban and rural areas. Rural hospitals often struggle with a shortage of experienced medical professionals, impacting the quality of healthcare available to patients in these regions.