Pune’s District Hospital Under Fire for Doctors Avoiding Transfers
In a surprising turn of events, it has come to light that several doctors and officials at Pune’s district hospital have managed to avoid transfers for an unusually long period of time, ranging from 12 to 15 years. This goes against government regulations that mandate rotations every three to four years, raising questions about fairness and transparency in the health department.
Reports suggest that many doctors have been able to dodge transfer orders by using their high-level connections. Some have even been able to secure positions at the district hospital on deputation after being transferred to mental health facilities. This has understandably left many qualified doctors feeling frustrated, as they are stuck serving exclusively in rural areas without the opportunity to work in Pune.
Last September, the health department issued transfer orders for district surgeons, district health officers, and specialists. However, some doctors have managed to get these orders cancelled within days through alleged high-level influence. For example, one orthopaedic specialist who had been at the district hospital for 15 years was transferred to a general hospital in Satara, only to have the transfer cancelled shortly after.
In another case, a former additional district surgeon who was transferred to a rural hospital in Junnar as a medical superintendent reportedly continues to reside in government quarters at the district hospital and only works there two days a week. Similarly, a female paediatrician who was initially transferred to Nandurbar now holds a position at the Regional Mental Hospital in Yerawada. An intensive care specialist who was supposed to be transferred to Satara now splits their time between the mental hospital and the district hospital on deputation.
Health activist Sharad Shetty has spoken out against these irregularities, accusing the health department of double standards in its transfer policies. When asked about investigating these issues, Health Department Secretary Nipun Vinayak declined to comment, citing a prior engagement. The situation at Pune’s district hospital highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the health department to ensure that all doctors are given fair opportunities for career advancement.
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