A tale of negligence and violation: The unfortunate show in HME Department

No rule for Shaffkat!

•  Today, someone called me, introducing himself as Shaffkat Hussain Sheikh, to inquire about the news story published in today’s edition. I couldn’t quite discern whether he was trying to convince me or intimidate me, but he mentioned that his transfer was due to a life threat, as his uncle or brother had been killed by terrorists.
•  I want to state that I do not have even an iota of personal bias against anyone. However, as a professional journalist, it is my duty to raise concerns that are not in favor of society. I sincerely hope that people will understand this and support us in our crusade against the malpractices within the department.
• I am grateful to the readers for their continued support, and this story will unfold further as I reveal the facts one by one. There are more individuals like Shaffkat in the department, and they too need to be held accountable.
•  There are many skeletons in the cupboard of Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital, Jammu, and those will be brought to light in the coming days.

RC Sharma Chanakya
Jammu, Dec 16: Is Junior Pharmacist Shaffkat Hussain Sheikh a powerful man, or does this signify that the officers controlling the department are inefficient, weak-minded, and incapable, alongside the malpractices prevailing in the system? Who will wake up the administrative officers and the department to rein in such troubling precedents in the Health and Medical Education Department? Why has the system bowed down before employees who, despite drawing substantial salaries from the public exchequer, are unwilling to serve society? Will our controlling officers awaken their conscience to address these wrong practices that harm society?
These pressing questions resonate deeply with the public, demanding answers. It is imperative for the Administrative Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department J&K and Director of Health Services Jammu to respond and satisfy the people’s concerns.
Today, someone called me, introducing himself as Shaffkat Hussain Sheikh, to inquire about the news story published in today’s edition. I couldn’t quite discern whether he was trying to convince me or intimidate me, but he mentioned that his transfer was due to a life threat, as his uncle or brother had been killed by terrorists.
However, a copy of the transfer order, which is with Jammu Jottings, makes no mention of a life threat or medical grounds. The order states: “It is hereby ordered that Sh. Shaffkat Hussain, Pharmacist, A.D. Jakhyas Block, Gandoh Bhallesa, District Doda, is transferred to the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu, for further adjustment against any available vacancy in Jammu. By Order of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Deprivation of rights and services: This unjustified transfer not only deprived the employees of Jammu district of their due rights but also denied the people of Doda the services of a Junior Pharmacist, as no replacement was sent in his stead. Such actions undermine the very purpose of district cadre appointments, which are meant to serve the specific needs of designated areas. Employees who secure jobs with the promise of serving their home districts but later maneuver to more comfortable postings betray both the spirit of their appointments and the trust of the public.
An alarming lack of oversight: What is even more troubling is the sheer negligence displayed by the department’s hierarchy. From Administrative Secretaries to Block Medical Officers, including Directors, Deputy Directors, and Chief Medical Officers, no one identified or rectified this glaring violation. Over nearly two decades, multiple administrations, including during Governor’s rule, failed to take action against this clear breach of service rules.
A call for accountability: This case reflects a deeply entrenched culture of complacency and self-interest within the system. It is imperative that such incidents be thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability at every level of governance. Government employees are entrusted with the responsibility of serving the public, and any deviation from this mandate is a betrayal of their duty. The Health & Medical Education Department must urgently address these systemic flaws to restore public trust and ensure that such violations are not repeated.
(To be continued)