No rule for Shaffkat!
- Shaffkat is posted in Bishnah block, which appears distant from Jammu city. However, SC Talab Tritha, under Bishnah block, is conveniently located near Bathindi, barely a kilometer from his residence, showcasing his expertise in manipulation.
- There are numerous Shaffkats in the health department, comfortably attached to the offices of the CMO Jammu and DHS Jammu. Rest assured, they won’t remain unnoticed for long, as Jammu Jottings will expose them too, with your continued support.
- Today, I will conclude this story, though much remains to be said. I do so with the hope that the department will rectify its blunders, as this serves as an eye-opener for Health Minister Sakina Itto, Administrative Secretary Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, and Director Health Services Jammu, Dr. Rakesh Magotra.
RC Sharma Chanakya
Jammu, Dec 18: The adage “Health is wealth” is timeless and universally acknowledged. However, when it comes to the health sector in Jammu & Kashmir, this vital principle seems to be overlooked. The state of the health department in the region is far from satisfactory, and it requires urgent attention. The onus of addressing these challenges falls squarely on the administrative authorities, who must take decisive action to ensure the system’s efficiency and effectiveness. A robust and well-functioning healthcare system is not merely a service but a lifeline for the people, and it is the duty of the administration to prioritize and nurture it.
The practice of attachments and irrational transfers within the health department, particularly the unnecessary relocation of personnel from one district to another, has become a troubling trend. This issue is especially evident in Jammu district, where individuals from other districts of the Jammu region are disproportionately posted. Similarly, in other districts, the preference for postings at district headquarters for personal comfort undermines the efficiency of the entire healthcare system. This malpractice demands immediate and serious attention. The administration must exhibit impartiality and strength, ensuring that influential employees, like Shaffkat, cannot manipulate the system to suit their whims and desires.
This issue is of paramount importance as it directly impacts public health and endangers lives. A recent case involving Shaffkat highlights the irregularities plaguing the system. As per a phone call I received, Shaffkat claimed to have been transferred due to life threats. However, the situation becomes more perplexing upon reviewing the records. In the Divisional Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meeting held on 13-08-2024, and the subsequent list released on 10-10-2024 (vide order number 539-DHSJ of 2024), Shaffkat was listed under Doda district. In the column for his current posting, he was shown working at the Sub-Center Talab Tritha in Block Bishnah, while his adjusted posting was noted as NTPHC Behota. Furthermore, it was stated, “He shall work at his present place of posting till further orders on medical grounds.”
This contradicts Shaffkat’s claim of being transferred due to life threats. Instead, it becomes evident that his objective was to secure a posting in Jammu district. Interestingly, an earlier list of eligible Junior Pharmacists for the DPC, released on 24-07-2024 (vide Director Health Services Jammu office No DHSJ/Adm/4657-82), listed Shaffkat under Jammu district cadre at serial number 15, marked as “on deputation from Doda to Jammu.” Yet, in the final list of 10-10-2024, he was suddenly shifted back to the Doda cadre. This inconsistency raises serious questions about the integrity of the Director Health Services Jammu office, which appears to have bent under undue influence to accommodate Shaffkat’s preferences.
It is worth noting that the Divisional Departmental Promotion Committee meeting occurred on 13-08-2024, suggesting that the discrepancies in Shaffkat’s cadre designation and postings were deliberate manipulations. The office of the Director seems to have facilitated this by altering records to fulfill Shaffkat’s ambitions. This blatant flaw in the system reflects poorly on the administration’s commitment to fairness and meritocracy.
Additionally, the former Principal Secretary to Government, Health & Medical Education Department, Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, IAS, had issued a directive to cancel attachments of doctors and paramedical staff (Circular No. 53-JK(HME) of 2022 dated 29-07-2022). However, Shaffkat blatantly disregarded this order, leveraging his significant influence to circumvent the rules.
Curiously, Shaffkat’s case defies logic. Typically, an employee seeking medical grounds for transfer would request a posting closer to home. Yet, Shaffkat sought a posting farther from his native place, claiming medical grounds. This contradiction leaves many puzzled and underscores the need for stricter enforcement of regulations.
The Health & Medical Education Department is plagued by such irregularities and malpractices. It is now the responsibility of Health Minister Sakina Itto, Administrative Secretary Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, and Director Health Services Jammu, Dr. Rakesh Magotra, to take decisive action. They must ensure that the system is free from undue influence and favoritism, restoring integrity and fairness to the department.
(Concluded)
