Srinagar: The Doctors Association of Kashmir (DAK) expresses grave concern over the unjust obstacles being placed before medical officers seeking No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to pursue higher studies.
As per existing government orders, every medical officer who has completed five years of uninterrupted service is eligible to apply for an NOC to further their education and pursue postgraduate (PG) programs. However, many medical officers are now being arbitrarily denied this opportunity.
Historically, the requirement for rural service was scrapped, and 50% of DNB seats were allocated for in-service doctors in Jammu and Kashmir, enabling them to improve their skills and expertise. This system was designed to ensure equal opportunities for doctors to advance professionally while continuing to serve the healthcare needs of the region.
Dr. M.Y. Tak President, Doctors Association of Kashmir said in a statement to Alfaaz – The Words, that this year, many Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs), including BMOs, CMOs, and Medical Superintendents, are refusing to grant NOCs to eligible doctors. A recent circular from the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) mandates that DDOs must confirm in writing that granting an NOC will not affect operations in their respective hospitals or blocks. This requirement has become a significant barrier, with these officers using it as a pretext to deny NOCs, disregarding the dedicated service of medical officers who have served in rural and field areas for 5 to 15 years, he added.
Dr Owais H Dar Gen. Secretary DAK emphasized that pursuing higher studies is a fundamental right of medical officers, critical for maintaining and improving the quality of healthcare services in the region. Denying this right not only contravenes government policies but also demoralizes the medical fraternity, which has consistently worked in challenging conditions to serve the public.
Dr Arshad H. Trag Senior Vice President added that DAK urges the government to reduce the mandatory five-year service requirement to three years, allowing medical officers to apply for an NOC sooner and pursue advanced training without unnecessary delays.
Dr Masood Rashid senior executive members urged government to relook into the prevailing policy on registrarship and higher studies so that doctors are not denied of due right.
Spokesperson DAK Dr Rubeena Bhat requested Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Hon’ble Health and Medical Education Minister Ms Sakina Itoo, the worthy Administrative Secretary of HME, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed (IAS) and the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) to urgently intervene in this matter and ensure that eligible medical officers are granted NOCs without undue hindrances. The DAK requests that clear instructions be issued to all concerned authorities to facilitate the process, uphold the rights of medical officers, and recognize their commitment and service.
We stand in full solidarity with the medical officers of Jammu and Kashmir and remain steadfast in advocating for their rights and professional development.
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