SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Dec 26: Resentment is growing among government medical officers in Jharkhand as the state has promoted junior specialist doctors while senior general doctors continue to await their due advancement.
A senior officer pointed out that 2009 batch specialist doctors have been promoted to Deputy Superintendent or District Programme Officer positions, whereas 1988 batch general doctors remain at their current posts despite decades of service.
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Top Senior Officers Still Await Promotion
Dr. Yugal Kishore Choudhary, the 1988 batch officer and the state’s senior-most medical officer, remains a Civil Surgeon in-charge and is set to retire this month without receiving a promotion.
Dr. Siddharth Sanyal, also from the 1988 batch and currently serving as Director In-Chief in-charge of State Health, has yet to receive promotion.
Similarly, Dr. Virendra Kumar Singh, the third in seniority, continues as Deputy Director In-Charge in Ranchi without official promotion, despite drawing corresponding benefits.
Concerns Over Seniority and Hierarchy
Senior doctors worry that even if promotions are granted now, they will be ranked below the 2009 batch specialist doctors in official lists.
“Even if we are promoted now, our rank would be considered below the 2009 batch specialist doctors,” said a senior 1988 batch officer.
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JSHSA Seeks Immediate Resolution
Dr. Thakur Mritunjay Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Jharkhand State Health Services Association (JSHSA), acknowledged the growing frustration among medical officers over delayed promotions.
He stated that for the first time, promotions were given to specialist doctors (2009–2018 batch), while promotions for general class doctors (1988–2009 batch) are still pending. A delegation from JSHSA is scheduled to meet the ACS Health to expedite the notification of pending promotions.
Seniority Will Be Maintained
Dr. Thakur clarified that once general class doctors receive promotion, a joint seniority list will be published to establish clear hierarchies.
Dr. C.K. Sahi, the state’s Regional Deputy Director in-charge, reassured senior doctors that their seniority would be respected and maintained even after receiving delayed promotions.
