Unhappy with transfers, 3 of four psychiatrists leave job

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, December 24

There is an acute shortage of doctors in government-run hospitals across the state. One of the prime reasons coming to the fore is the transfer orders of the doctors.

In Bathinda district, out of four psychiatrists, three have left the job and opened private clinics. Just 15 days back, psychiatrist Dr Indiver Kalra had left his job and is now opening a private clinic in the city on Thursday. Dr Kalra was posted in Bathinda city but the state government had transferred him to a community health centre in Ghudda village of Bathinda district two months back following which the psychiatrist had to appear for duty in village Ghudda thrice a week. On the remaining days, he used to check the patients at the Civil Hospital.

Similarly, psychiatrist Tarun Goyal, who was transferred to Fatehgarh Sahib from Rampura community health centre in Bathinda district in July this year, left the job and opened his private clinic in Rampura Phul.

Another psychiatrist Dr Sunil Gupta, who was posted at Talwandi Sabo hospital in Bathinda district, also left his job and opened his private clinic in Talwandi Sabo, a sub-division of Bathinda district.

Just after the transfer of psychiatrist Dr Indiver Kalra to Ghudda, the patients at Civil Hospital went on strike and raised anti-government slogans due to the unavailability of doctors. Only two weeks back, Dr Indiver resigned after his transfer for Ropar district was ordered.

Dr Nidhi Gupta, the only psychiatrist left in the district, said: “Yes, Dr Indiver Kalra has left besides two other psychiatrists. They have opened their private clinics, being unhappy with their jobs. The reason is best known to them. There is a heavy rush of patients coming for de-addiction at the Bathinda Civil Hospital.”