JnK Health Department reshuffle sparks row over Seniority

Srinagar: A recent administrative reshuffle in the Jammu & Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department has stirred controversy, with senior doctors and healthcare professionals accusing authorities of violating seniority norms and favouring certain individuals in key appointments.

The controversy follows government order No. 429-JK (HME) of 2025, dated June 28, 2025, which details the transfers and postings of 33 doctors in the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK). The reshuffle has raised serious concerns over its potential impact on the delivery of healthcare services and administrative order in the region’s hospitals.

Sakina Itoo, the Minister for Health and Medical Education, stated that the issue would be looked into if the allegations were found to have any merit.

From the list, it appears that no consideration was given to the DHSK's official seniority list, which is updated regularly and traditionally used as the basis for promotions to administrative roles.

However, the list has a different story to tell: a medical officer has been elevated to the position of In-Charge Deputy Director Health Services, Kashmir, while another medical officer has been appointed as Deputy Medical Superintendent of the Super Speciality Hospital in Srinagar, reports the Greater Kashmir.

Many senior doctors, especially those appointed between 2002 and 2005, claimed they had been overlooked in favor of candidates from the 2012 batch onward.

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Other controversial postings include the Deputy Medical Superintendent of the Children’s Hospital and a deputation to the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL). Numerous allegations claim that appointments to positions such as BMOs, CMOs, MS, and Deputy MS have been made in violation of established rules.

This reshuffle has directly contradicted a recent government directive that sought to recall DHSK medical officers from deputation to GMC-associated hospitals, aiming instead to reinforce peripheral health services.

The issue has sparked concern within the medical community, with many doctors questioning the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services in peripheral and rural regions. One of the senior doctors remarked that the government should either openly declare its intention to disregard seniority protocols and make appointments based on its "whims and fancies," or take steps toward course correction.

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Speaking to the Greater Kashmir, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, said that she had already been contacted by some doctors about it. “I have directed them to submit a representation. We will examine it. If there is some injustice, we will rectify it,” she said.

The minister added, “All doctors and officials are equal for us. We do not favour anyone, nor do we have any relatives to benefit. Proposals are considered only after a proper assessment of the need. If a doctor has only seniority, but lacks performance or work contribution, how can we assign them a post where patient care is the priority?” reports KINS.

The issue has sparked debate across social media platforms, where netizens are demanding transparency and accountability from the government.