Thomas (Special correspondent)
Health Minister Dr.K.Sudhakar in an order issued on Wednesday has directed to make counselling mandatory for transfers of medical officers and other staff in the state health and family welfare department putting a break to arbitrary transfers that were happening round the year through recommendations and other corrupt practices.
This decision will enhance transparency and efficiency in the functioning of the department and improve delivery of healthcare services to citizens preventing arbitrary transfers based on recommendations and lobbying.
“How it will be implemented”
He further explained,that the Karnataka State Civil Services (Regulation of Transfer of Medical Officers and other Staff) Act’, 2011 provides that all transfers of medical officers and other staff in the health and family welfare department must happen though counselling.
The act exempts administrative positions from counseling and transfer of such cases has to be brought to the notice of the minister.
No other transfer proposals should be taken up. In case if anyone violates the order,all concerned staff will be subjected to strict departmental disciplinary action,Minister Dr.K.Sudhakar warned in his order.
Employees who are battling serious illness,who are on the verge of retirement,those who have less than 2 years of service, those who are 40% or more physical handicap, widows, husband and wife mutual transfer and other such special cases based on humanitarian grounds will be considered for transfer only once in 2 months and the act will also be recommended accordingly, Sudhakar said.
The Act regarding transfer has been passed in 2011 and rules also have been framed. The act has also been amended once in 2017.Going forward all transfers will be conducted as per the provisions of the law.
This decision will not only ensure transparency and discipline in transfers of medical officers and other staff but also prevents corruption and arbitrary transfers which negatively impact the functioning of the department and delivery of healthcare services to the people, Dr.Sudhakar said in his tweet.
“What does the rules say”
Senior specialists,specialists, Deputy chief medical officer,senior medical officer,general duty medical officer,chief dental health officer,senior dental helath officer,dental health officer can be transferred by commisioner of the department.
Group B, C and D staff can be transferred by Department Director and the same applies to AYUSH Department.
The rules mandate 3 years, 4 years, 5 years and 7 years mandatory service in one posting for Group A, B, C, and D employees respectively he added.
