LNJP senior doctors urge govt to address promotion irregularities

Patna: Senior doctors at the state-run LNJP Hospital have raised concerns over alleged irregularities in promotion and posting practices, terming the system flawed and demoralising.

A delegation of senior medical professionals recently submitted a memorandum to CM Samrat Choudhary and health minister Nishant Kumar, seeking that administrative and leadership positions in Bihar Health Services be allotted strictly on the basis of seniority. Of over 50 doctors at LNJP, 24 are senior-level officers.

The doctors alleged that several officials from the 1990 batch are still awaiting promotion, while a junior doctor from the 2020 batch, Dr Shakti Kishore, has been assigned the role of deputy director under higher charge. They also pointed out that Dr Amarnath Prasad, a level-12 officer, is currently discharging duties as deputy director (health).

“This situation raises questions about departmental discipline and affects the morale of experienced officers who have served for years,” said Dr Shashwat Kumar, who has been working since 2016.

He added that the delegation has been assured by the health department that the issue will be examined. “We have also written to the CM and the President of India, and hope for an early resolution,” he said.

LNJP hospital director Dr Rahesh Choudhary said postings and promotions are carried out as per health department notifications and not at his discretion. He added that decisions have been taken in accordance with established norms.