PATNA: The latest transfer order of doctors issued by the Bihar government's health department has sprung a surprise as the names of several retired and dead doctors figure in the list.
Dr Nagendra Bhushan Singh, who served as the deputy superintendent of a sub-divisional hospital at Dumraon in Buxar district before his death on May 10, was "transferred" as the superintendent of Sadar Hospital in Nawada.
Similarly, Dr Ramashankar Tiwary was named as the new superintendent of Sasaram Sadar Hospital even though he died in New Delhi on June 17 night. A condolence meeting organised a day after his death was attended by several officials of the district administration, said sources.
Dr SK Singh, who served as the medical officer for communicable diseases in Purnea district before he retired in January, found mention in the list. He was transferred as additional chief medical officer in Madhepura district. "I do not know how this happened. I have received no communication about an extension of my services. But I am not willing to serve any more as I need rest and time with my family after spending long years in government service," said Dr Singh.
Dr Ashok Kumar Mishra, who is currently serving at a hospital at Dagrua in Purnea district, was transferred even though he had just eight days of service left before his retirement. He was transferred as the superintendent of the Sadar Hospital in Katihar. "If the government gives me an extension of service, I am ready to go to the new place. Or else I would like to be retired while serving here (at Dagrua)," he said.
The notification on the transfer of doctors in the state issued on Thursday contains several discrepancies like these, said sources. After the errors were spotted, health department officials are busy making suitable corrections. According to the National Health Prof18, Bihar has the poorest doctor-population ratio. While one doctor serves a population of 28,391 in Bihar, the figure stands at 1:2,203 in Delhi.