Hyderabad: In the past six weeks, the Telangana state health department has issued show-cause notices to 30 associate professors for failing to join their new posts after being promoted to professors. Many cited the lack of location preferences and special allowances for remote postings as reasons for declining the new roles. This has led to calls from doctors’ associations for the government to allow a one-time option to forgo promotions.
Concerns Over Mandatory Transfers
Doctors have expressed dissatisfaction with the current promotion and transfer policies, which they claim are rigid and often ignore location preferences, despite initial submissions. Dr. Kiran Madhala, General Secretary of the Telangana Teaching Govt Doctors Association (TTGDA), pointed out that:
- Transfers tied to promotions now span 33 districts, significantly affecting those transferred to remote areas.
- In past cycles, with only five medical colleges, transfer options were more manageable, but the expansion has created logistical challenges.
Additionally, doctors with health concerns or personal issues are not allowed to opt out of promotions, further complicating matters.
Illogical Postings
Doctors argue that the transfer process appears arbitrary. For example:
- Physicians from urban centers like Hyderabad are transferred to remote locations such as Narsampet.
- Others from districts like Ramagundam are moved to Medak, far from their homes or current workplaces.
One recently promoted doctor remarked:
“Most doctors prefer postings close to their current work or hometowns. While some may want to move to Hyderabad, we at least expect options like a counselling process or the choice to forgo the promotion entirely.”
Demand for Policy Reform
In response to the dissatisfaction, the Telangana Govt Doctors Association (TGGDA) submitted a formal request urging the state government to:
- Reinstate the option to decline promotions, as was previously allowed.
- Introduce a system for doctors to indicate preferences or participate in a counselling process before being transferred.
The TTGDA and TGGDA emphasized the importance of recognizing the challenges posed by remote postings, particularly in ensuring healthcare quality in underserved areas without forcing promotions.
Government’s Next Steps
The state health department has yet to respond to the formal representation. However, with increasing unrest among medical professionals, addressing these concerns is becoming critical to ensure smooth functioning and morale within the healthcare system.