SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, July 19: The deployment of the Jharkhand Health Services Association (JHSA) state secretary in the month-long state Shravani Mela has sparked a new row in the medical officers’ circle in the state.
The state government has notified 200 doctors, including JHSA secretary Dr Thakur Mritunjay Kumar Singh for deputation in Deoghar-Basukinath Shravani Mela starting from July 22 in 15 days rotation.
JHSA state secretary is posted at Chas in Bokaro
JHSA state secretary Dr Thakur Mritunjay Kumar Singh, posted at the community health centre (CHC) Chas of Bokaro district has been put on deputation at Deoghar Shravani Mela in the second phase from August 5 to August 19.
A section of medical officers pleads that as per government guidelines, top office-bearers of the association can’t be put on deputation.
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JHSA office bearers of different districts while requesting not to be quoted on Friday said that the deputation of the state secretary should have been avoided as under the government guidelines, an office bearer can’t be transferred during his/her tenure. Moreover, at present, the JHSA is holding talks with the health department on different demands including TA/DA for Shravani Mela deputation. The talk will derail in the absence of a secretary.
Ex-JHSA secretary justifies deputation
However, former JHSA Secretary Dr Bimlesh Kumar Singh of Ranchi justified deputation and said that for quality service government can send any office bearer on deputation at any place.
“It is the prerogative of the government to take duty of a medical officer at which place for streamlining the health system,” said Dr Bimlesh Singh.
IMA state coordinator and former national vice-president Dr Ajay Kumar Singh said that sending the JHSA office bearer on deputation is technically right as there is no written word that the office bearer can’t be put on transit deputation as per requirement.
“But at the same time, I feel the JHSA officer bearer should not be sent far away from his headquarters. Dr Thakur Mritunjay Kumar Singh is posted in North Chhotanagpur Division and he has been put on deputation in Santhal Pargana Division,” said Dr Singh.
