Punjab gives cushy posting to ‘VIP doc’

Vishav Bharti
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, November 21

In gross violation of rules, the Punjab Government has facilitated a “VIP paediatrician” to perform clerical work in Mohali instead of her routine duties, including emergency service, at her original place of posting in Patiala. 

An order issued by the Director, Medical Education and Research, says the paediatrician, Dr Bhavna Sobat, has been asked to serve as a nodal officer in the Provident Fund section of the Directorate of Medical Education and Research, Mohali.

She is the wife of 2006-batch IAS officer Abhinav Trikha, posted as Special Secretary (Finance), Punjab. He refused to comment, saying he had nothing to do with the posting.

The order says Dr Sobat —posted as Senior Resident in the Paediatrics Department of Government Medical College, Patiala — will work at the directorate on the first four days of a week and at the college on the next two days. 

According to rules governing Senior Residents, a doctor who already holds a postgraduate degree requires to carry out clinical work, including emergency duty, indoor and outdoor patient care. Besides, the doctor has to get involved in clinical teaching of MBBS students.

Officials at the hospital alleged Dr Sobat had been irregular at work even in the past. Confirming this, Dr Jasbir Singh, Head of Department of Paediatrics, said, “Our clinical work has been suffering due to shortage of doctors. So, I had to intervene and ask the head of unit-II (with which Dr Sobat is attached) to ensure her regular presence.”

Dr Jasbir also confirmed there was no provision for a Senior Resident to work anywhere else than a medical college.

Dr Avnish Kumar, Director, Medical Education and Research, said the order was issued following permission from the government. He said the Additional Chief Secretary, Health, could be contacted for more details. 

Satish Chandra, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Medical Education, didn’t take calls despite repeated attempts. 

Dr Sobat claimed there was no violation of rules and that hers was not the solitary case. “There have been examples in the past when resident doctors have been posted at the directorate,” she said.