On Friday, the Chandigarh administration succumbed to the political pressure and extended the tenure for 1 year for doctors on deputation in a phased manner.

UT Health Secretary, Yashpal Garg, on February 4 had ordered the repatriation of doctors on deputation, who were extending their deputation even for as long as twenty years. The order has caused differences between the doctors and employee unions arguing that the shift may impact a “sacred bond between patients and doctors.”

The doctors, under a ‘Joint Action Committee, said that the GMSH-16 has made good progress over the years, partly due to the efforts put in by the medicos who have been working there for years.

Earlier, the doctors had met BJP leaders, including Sanjay Tandon, who in turn on Thursday met UT Administrator, Banwarilal Purohit and conveyed the concerns of the medicos. On Friday, Purohit ordered an extension in their tenure. The extension was confirmed by Chandigarh Health Secretary, Yashpal Garg. Ever since the orders of repatriation, doctors on deputation have publicly expressed their disgruntlement, while trying several means to get the orders revoked.

At least 112 doctors, who have been on deputation in Chandigarh, and were from Punjab and Haryana demanded extension in their tenure after the UT Health Secretary had launched a crackdown earlier this month and ordered repatriation to their parent state in a staggered manner.

While launching his crackdown, Garg had stated that generally, the deputation period of doctors was 3 years, which could be extended to 5 and in exceptional cases up to 7 years. He said that there were instances where doctors have continued deputation for even 25 years to 30 years and there was a need to break this cycle.

Source: The Indian Express