Punjab Health Department Faces Backlash Over Promotions Amid Ongoing Investigation
Chandigarh: The Punjab Health Department’s decision to promote six doctors under investigation for forged certificates has sparked controversy, raising concerns over the integrity of the promotion process. These doctors, part of a group of 32 individuals accused of submitting fake certificates during their recruitment, have been elevated to the rank of Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) despite an ongoing probe.
Investigation and Legal Action Against Accused Doctors
In December 2023, the Punjab Health Department urged the Punjab Police to take legal action against the accused doctors, following an investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The SIT’s findings, linked to the 2008-09 Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) recruitment scam, recommended legal proceedings under sections 120-B, 420, 468, and 471 of the IPC, covering charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery.
The matter even reached the Supreme Court, which issued a notice to the Punjab Government but declined to halt the promotion process due to procedural delays.
Defending the Promotions
The Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) recommended the promotions, and Health Department Principal Secretary Kumar Rahul, who signed the orders, claimed unawareness of the controversy but assured further examination of the issue.
A senior health official, speaking anonymously, stated that the accused doctors had not yet been found guilty by any government agency. “If they are proven guilty, their promotions will be revoked,” the official added.
Doctors Protest Against Alleged Favoritism
The promotions have sparked outrage among medical professionals, with many questioning how individuals under investigation could be promoted while others struggle for basic clearances.
One doctor, speaking to Hindustan Times, alleged favoritism: “This is a classic example of how VIPs are treated above the law. These doctors are relatives of senior bureaucrats and former judges. Meanwhile, an honest doctor struggles for a clearance certificate for years.”
The controversy has intensified demands for transparency in medical recruitment and promotions, with calls for strict action against those guilty of forgery.
