Doctors vs bureaucrats: Faculty challenges Health Dept decision

The Faculty Association of the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College, Chamba, has expressed strong opposition to the recent appointment of an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer to the post of Director, Health Services. In an emergency meeting the association termed the decision as “unilateral and against the interests of the medical fraternity and public health”. The state government on June 24 had appointed Ashwani Kumar Sharma, Special Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, as Director, Health.

“The post of Director, Health services, is a promotional post meant for senior medical professionals such as Chief Medical Officers (CMOs). Appointing a non-medico bureaucrat to this position is not only unjust but also poses serious risks to the effective functioning of the Health Department,” said Dr Manik Sehgal, president of the Faculty Association.

Dr Sehgal stressed that a non-medical officer lacks the technical knowledge and experience to comprehend the responsibilities of doctors, which could directly affect the delivery of healthcare services in the state. He called the move “highly demotivating” for doctors and described it as “an absurd shift of cadre to bureaucracy”.

“This kind of bureaucratic overreach undermines the professional growth and morale of the medical community. It is vital that health services are led by those who understand the field inside out,” he added.

The association has urged the government to reconsider and immediately withdraw the appointment in the larger public interest. “We strongly condemn this decision and request the government to safeguard the rightful promotional avenues of doctors and ensure that public health remains a priority,” Dr Sehgal said.

The association warned that such actions not only demoralise the medical workforce but also risk compromising the quality of healthcare for the state people.

Himachal Tribune