Kerala Govt revises DHS transfer order amid leave controversy

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has issued a modified government order (GO), removing a controversial reference in an earlier order that stated the Director of Health Services (DHS) had availed 15 days of leave during the epidemic period. The remark had sparked widespread criticism and controversy.

The original GO, issued on June 12, transferred Dr K.J Reena to the post of Director of the Regional Public Health Laboratory in Ernakulam, had mentioned that she had taken 15 days of leave during the epidemic period. This clause triggered widespread speculation that the transfer was linked to her absence from duty.

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Speaking to Onmanorama, the doctor said she was shocked by the order. She maintained that her leave application sought only two-and-a-half days of leave and questioned how it was reflected as 15 days in the order. "I have no clue how my leave turned out to be 15 days. I had informed the Health Minister's personal secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, about my health condition. Shortly before the order was issued, I had also directly communicated with the Health Minister regarding the recent Nipah case in the state," she said.

She further stated that if the government intended to relieve her from the post of DHS, it should have ensured an “honourable exit” rather than issuing an order that created the impression of her being removed under adverse circumstances.

In response to the controversy, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan clarified that the transfer was not related to leave but was due to administrative concerns. He said the doctor had written to the Devaswom Commissioner regarding difficulties in deploying Health Service doctors for Sabarimala duty without prior consultation with the government. He also pointed to delays in communication regarding the confirmation of a Nipah virus test result from the National Institute of Virology, which had reportedly led to confusion during a press briefing.

The transfer order drew criticism from the Opposition as well, with Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan terming it ill-timed, especially when the state health system was dealing with multiple public health challenges.

The modified GO states that the doctor has completed three years’ tenure as the DHS and that the selection process for the appointment of a regular DHS is being considered by the government. It further states that as the post of the DHS cannot be left vacant until a regular appointment is made, given the ongoing surveillance and response activities that have to be undertaken in relation to the shigellosis outbreak and Nipah infection, Meenakshy V., Additional DHS (Family Welfare), will be entrusted the full additional charge of the DHS, pending regular arrangements, reports the Hindu.

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