Unveiling reasons behind docs refusing promotions

Doctors attribute resistance to flawed system & transfer schedules

- K KALYAN KRISHNA KUMAR @ Vijayawada

A rising number of government doctors are refusing promotions, a trend that has drawn serious concern from Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav.

The issue became evident during the recent promotion process for District Coordinators of Health Services (DCHS), where 50 out of 85 eligible doctors (59%) declined the promotion, despite six existing vacancies and two more expected soon.

This pattern is consistent with the recent promotion exercise for professor positions, where 33% of eligible doctors refused the role.

Key role of DCHSs
DCHSs are responsible for overseeing 224 healthcare facilities across the State, including Community Health Centres, District, and Area Hospitals. Doctors are eligible for DCHS promotions if they have at least three years of service as Civil Surgeon Specialists (CSS) and at least two years remaining before retirement.