Odisha: Doctors at VIMSAR protest against doctor transfer

Sambalpur: The transfer of 14 doctors from Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research(VIMSAR), by the government has resulted in a unified protest being launched by junior doctors, house surgeons, PG doctors and UG medical students of the institute.

The protest development came after the government issued a notification with regards to the 14 doctors earlier in the day. It announced their transfers to Berhampur, Baripada and Koraput.

The Junior Doctor Association (JDA) alleging shortage of doctors at VIMSAR, called it an unwise move on the part of the government to shift doctors to other medical institutions. They felt that the step was bound to clamp medical services.

"I have proof of the fact that out of the 14 doctors who have been directed for transference, five of them had chosen to stay here in Burla medical college. The doctors are willing to stay here and serve but the government has transferred them overnight. While shortage of doctors, dilapidated health services and decline in level of medical education is plaguing the college at such a time how did the government transfer the doctors who want to stay here," Dr Shankar Ramchandani, Convenor of VIMSAR Student Union told Odishatv.in.

The recent initiative taken by VIMSAR to appoint 56 doctors on contractual basis has also been halted. In the given circumstance the doctor's Association has warned of serious future consequences, if the transfer orders are not withdrawn.

The administration on their part have clarified saying that the transfer orders were in accordance with the system practiced in the government. The doctors have been transferred after promotion through Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC).

"The promotion is made through a high level committee called DPC comprising of Chief Secretary, Health Secretary, DMET and other high level officials and there is no role of Burla College," Professor Braja Mishra, VIMSAR, Superintendent said.

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