Why are Andhra doctors saying NO to promotions? Probe Ordered
Vijayawada: Days after reports revealed that 32% of eligible government doctors declined promotions to professor positions in Andhra Pradesh's Government Medical Colleges (GMCs), a similar trend has emerged in the secondary healthcare sector. Again, 59% of eligible doctors have now refused promotions to the post of District Coordinators of Health Services (DCHS), prompting serious concern from Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav.
High Rate of Refusal in DCHS Promotions
During the latest promotion process, 50 out of 85 eligible doctors rejected promotions to DCHS, despite six existing vacancies and two more expected soon. This reluctance follows the recent refusal of 33% of eligible government doctors to accept promotions to professor positions in GMCs.
According to Deccan Chronicle, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav, who approved nine new DCHS promotions on Friday, has directed an in-depth review to identify reasons behind the growing reluctance of government doctors to accept promotions. He noted that DCHSs play a crucial role in overseeing 224 healthcare facilities across the state, including Community Health Centres, District, and Area Hospitals.
Doctors eligible for DCHS positions must have at least three years of service as Civil Surgeon Specialists (CSS) and two years remaining before retirement. The current vacancies exist in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, East Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, and Prakasam districts, with more anticipated in Nellore and Chittoor.
Concerns Over Administrative Challenges and Workplace Conditions
Senior health officials attribute the refusals to doctors' unwillingness to relocate from preferred locations, taking advantage of the system that allows unlimited refusals without penalty.
Andhra Pradesh Government Doctors’ Association President Dr D Jayadheer Babu cited several administrative concerns that discourage doctors from accepting promotions. Speaking to The New Indian Express, he stated, “Higher officials pressure doctors with patient targets and treat them disrespectfully. A patient seeks treatment when they are unwell, but setting targets is unethical. Doctors are obligated to treat those who visit hospitals, but penalizing them for not meeting quotas is unfair.”
Dr Jayadheer also pointed out that higher officials frequently bypass DCHSs, contacting frontline doctors directly via video conferences, thereby diminishing the authority of the DCHS role. He further highlighted that despite being a district-level post, DCHSs lack key official powers, a designated office, and sufficient manpower, making the position less attractive.
Lack of Structured Promotion and Transfer System
Apart from administrative inefficiencies, the lack of a structured calendar for promotions and transfers is another major deterrent. Dr Jayadheer told The New Indian Express, “If promotions and transfers followed a fixed schedule, more doctors would be willing to accept them.”
He also pointed out that while teacher associations frequently engage in discussions on transfers, no such dialogue has been initiated with healthcare professionals. “We are ready to present our concerns if the government opens discussions on these issues and promotions,” he said.
Impact on Healthcare System and Government Response
The mass refusal of promotions could severely impact the healthcare system in Andhra Pradesh, as critical positions remain vacant, affecting patient care and administrative efficiency.
DC reports in response to the crisis, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav has ordered a comprehensive review of why government doctors in secondary and tertiary healthcare institutions are increasingly rejecting promotions and what remedial measures can be implemented to address the issue.
