Pune Doctors Evade Transfers, Raising Concerns About Fairness in Health Department

Pune, 11th February 2025: Several doctors and officials at Pune’s district hospital have successfully avoided transfers for 12 to 15 years, despite government regulations mandating rotations every three to four years. This practice has sparked controversy, raising questions about fairness and transparency in the health department.

Many doctors have managed to cancel their transfer orders within days by leveraging high-level connections. Others have secured positions at the district hospital on deputation after being transferred to mental health facilities. These manoeuvres have left many qualified doctors frustrated, as they continue to serve exclusively in rural areas without the opportunity to work in Pune.

Last September, the health department issued transfer orders for district surgeons, district health officers, and specialists. One orthopaedic specialist, stationed at the district hospital for 15 years, was transferred to a general hospital in Satara. However, within a week, the transfer was cancelled through alleged high-level influence.

In another case, a former additional district surgeon, transferred to a rural hospital in Junnar as medical superintendent, reportedly continues to reside in government quarters at the district hospital and only works there two days a week.

A female paediatrician, initially transferred to Nandurbar, secured a position at the Regional Mental Hospital, Yerawada instead. Similarly, an intensive care specialist, slated for transfer to Satara, now works at the mental hospital while spending three days a week at the district hospital on deputation.

Health activist Sharad Shetty has accused the health department of double standards in its transfer policies. When asked about investigating these irregularities, Health Department Secretary Nipun Vinayak declined to comment, citing a meeting engagement.