Imagine dedicating years of hard work and study only to find yourself waiting in limbo, your future uncertain. This is the reality for over 70 well-trained doctors attached to the Directorate of Health Services in Kashmir, who have been left without formal job postings or salaries for the last four months.
These doctors, who have completed rigorous academic programs such as MBBS, MD, and DNB, are now in a perplexing situation. They were already employed in government roles and had pursued advanced postgraduate and super-specialty training with the necessary approvals, only to face an abrupt halt in their careers due to the lack of official posting orders. This delay has not only hindered their professional growth but has also stripped them of their income, as they have not received any salary since October 2025.
According to insider sources, the authorities assured these medical professionals that their information had been sent to the Health and Medical Education Department at the Civil Secretariat for further action regarding their employment. However, despite repeated reassurances, there has been little to no progress, leaving the doctors feeling neglected and frustrated as they remain without jobs and financial means.
The implications of this delay extend beyond just the doctors themselves. The affected healthcare workers have voiced their growing worries that their current predicament is not only putting a strain on their families but is also detrimental to patient care in the region. At a time when Jammu and Kashmir faces a significant shortage of specialists in government hospitals, these qualified doctors are ready and willing to contribute to the healthcare system yet remain sidelined.
They pointed out that many health facilities are struggling due to the absence of necessary specialists, even as trained professionals are available and eager to step into roles where they're desperately needed.
In light of this troubling situation, the doctors are calling on Syed Abid Rashid, the Secretary of Health and Medical Education, to take urgent action. They implore him to personally oversee the issuance of their posting orders and to expedite the release of their overdue salaries.
Attempts to reach Secretary Rashid for comments have so far been unsuccessful, raising questions about the responsiveness of the department to the needs of its healthcare workforce. How can a system that relies heavily on trained health professionals afford to keep highly qualified doctors in uncertainty? What does this situation say about the prioritization of healthcare in the region?
This issue may spark differing opinions: Should the government prioritize the posting of these doctors, or are there deeper systemic issues at play? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below.
