Shimla: Order to divest DHS of admin powers opposed

Shimla, July 26

The Himachal Medical Officers Association (HMOA) has opposed the government order to transfer the administrative power of the Director Health Services (DHS), a post held by doctors, to the Additional Director of Health Services, a post held by an Himachal Administrative Services officer.

“This is a clear attempt to snatch our promotional and administrative posts by the government. The order is not acceptable to us and hence should be withdrawn,” said HMOA secretary Dr Pushpender Verma.

In case the order is not taken back, the Himachal Medical Officers Association is ready for any struggle to protect its interests,”

he added.

In a letter written to Secretary Health, the association said that health being a technical and professional department, all administrative posts in the department should be with the professionals.

Referring to the order in which the government says that Director Heath Services should use her/his knowledge for “prompt disposal of programmatic/health related works and better monitoring of schemes/programmes, Verma said this work was being done by National Health Mission.

“The posts of National Heath Mission, MD,

which is held by IAS/HAS officers, should also be given to a healthcare professional so that the programmes are run smoothly,” said Verma.