Lack of Transparency in Transfer Policy: Rural doctors seek transfers to Hyderabad
Hyderabad: The doctors under the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) have called on the government to ensure transparent transfers of teaching doctors, emphasizing the need to prioritize those serving in rural and peripheral areas. The doctors demanded that doctors serving more than five years in peripheral medical colleges should get priority during transfers.
The protesting doctors have expressed frustration over the lack of action regarding transfers. They pointed out that there are government doctors, particularly those employed in medical colleges such as Gandhi Medical College and Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad and they have been stationed in Hyderabad for over seven years, while their colleagues in remote regions continue to be separated from their families, reports The Hans India.
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.
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.
