TURA: The recent transfer of two experienced and specialist doctors from the Tura Civil Hospital has evoked sharp criticism from among a section of the citizens of the town with many questioning the logic behind the move.
A concerned citizen informed that transfer orders were given to two Garo Women senior Pathologists which came into effect on January 10.
“These specialist doctors each hold the post of HOD of the Blood Bank and the Laboratory of the hospital respectively. They are responsible for diagnostic tests with regard to Blood, Urine, Tissue FNAC, Biopsy etc. We find their transfers questionable and the move is a mindless act,” the citizen said.
A source from within the hospital while confirming the transfers said that the move by the government would affect the functioning of the respective facilities (Blood Bank, Lab) in the hospital. Asked if any replacements have been arranged to fill the vacant posts left behind by the transfers, the source replied in the negative.
There are others who have criticized the move cautioning that the lives of patients would be put at risk in the absence of trained specialists to look after the facilities. According to them, the move would also pave the way for private hospitals, clinics and laboratories to flourish since patients would have no other option but to visit them despite having to shell out a little bit more.
Another point raised by the citizens is that the long years of training undergone by the doctors concerned would be of no use if they are sent to remote areas without basic facilities.
“By transferring the Pathologists to remote areas without basic facilities, their experience and expertise which are needed in the Tura Civil Hospital will be wasted. We hope that the government reviews its decision so that the people of the region are not deprived of quality healthcare at the hospital,” they said.
It may be mentioned that other experienced doctors at the hospital are also said to have received transfer orders recently. While some have left the hospital to take charge of their new postings, others have applied for stay orders, the source informed.