Pune: Several doctors and officials from Pune District Hospital have reportedly managed to avoid transfers for over a decade by using their political and bureaucratic connections, raising concerns over fairness in the health department’s transfer policies.

Government employees, including doctors, are expected to be transferred every three to four years, yet some doctors in Pune have remained in the same position for 12 to 15 years. Even when they receive transfer orders, they get them revoked within a week by using their influence at the state health ministry. Some doctors also secure transfers to mental hospitals and later return to Pune District Hospital on deputation, allowing them to bypass transfer rules.

This has sparked outrage among other medical professionals, especially those who have never been allowed to work in Pune and are constantly transferred to rural areas.

Cases of Influence in the Ministry

In September 2023, the state health department issued transfer orders for various officials, including district surgeons, district health officers, and specialists. These transfers were made as per the directives of the health secretary.

One such case involved an orthopedic specialist who had been stationed at Pune District Hospital for 15 years. He was transferred to Satara General Hospital but managed to reverse the order within a week and return to Pune.

Similarly, the then Additional District Surgeon was transferred to Junnar Rural Hospital as a Medical Superintendent. According to transfer policies, he was required to relocate fully to Junnar. However, sources revealed that he has not vacated his official government accommodation in Pune and continues to work in Pune for two days a week.

Questionable Postings: Pediatrician at a Mental Hospital

Another controversial transfer reversal involved a female pediatrician who was originally posted to Nandurbar but managed to get reassigned to Yerawada Regional Mental Hospital instead. Similarly, an ICU specialist who was transferred to Satara managed to get posted at Yerawada Mental Hospital instead.

Currently, both doctors are working three days a week at Pune District Hospital on deputation, despite being officially transferred elsewhere. Meanwhile, other doctors who do not have strong political connections had to accept their transfers without protest.

Allegations of Favoritism in the Health Department

Health activist Sharad Shetty has criticized these irregularities, calling them a clear example of double standards in the health department. He has questioned why some doctors are allowed to stay in Pune indefinitely, while others are compelled to serve only in rural areas.