SRINAGAR — The National Health Mission (NHM) in Jammu and Kashmir is facing allegations of favoritism and nepotism within its ranks as most of the officials have not been transferred despite over staying in the department.
Insiders told Srinagar based news gathering agency Kashmir Dot Com that despite being designed to ensure equitable and quality healthcare services, NHM J&K has allegedly become a hotspot for political patronage and undue influence.
“The focus of scrutiny lies on key figures within the organization, particularly Dr. Shafi Koka, the State Nodal Officer, who has remained in his position since 2015 despite multiple transfer proposals. Similarly, Dr. Mushtaq Dar and Dr. Harjeet Rai, Divisional Nodal Officers, have managed to prolong their stays within NHM J&K through various means, including deputation and re-posting,” they said.
A recent communique addressed to the Administrative Secretary to the Government, Health & Medical Education Department, accessed by the Kashmir Dot Com also reveals that the issue of officers occupying posts beyond the designated timeframe.
Dr. Shafi Koka, for instance, has remained in his position since August 2015, contrary to the rotational transfer policy.
NHM J&K, intended to be a professional liaison between the Government of India and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, is now under scrutiny for its alleged failure to uphold principles of transparency and accountability. — (KDC)