Political recommendations ‘Culprits’ for vacant posts in Govt hospitals: Rajasthan Health Minister

Jaipur: During a debate on health grant demands, Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar stated that political recommendations for transfers and posting changes are a major factor behind the persistent vacant positions in government hospitals. Khimsar called such recommendations “the culprits” for vacant positions and urged lawmakers to refrain from making them. He added that although 1,000 doctors had been sent to constituencies, changes were later sought through recommendations.Also Read:Health Ministry seeks regulatory reforms after lapses in Rajasthan blood banks”If you do not initiate unnecessary recommendations, I promise that not a single position in any hospital will remain vacant. But this is our weakness; we are the ones suffering and also the ones crying,” he said, reports TOI.The minister explained that, for the first time, the department sought posting preferences from doctors and nursing staff and deployed around 25,000 personnel, including in tribal and desert regions. However, he acknowledged that staff overwhelmingly prefer urban centres such as Jaipur, Kota, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Ajmer, Udaipur, and Jodhpur, leaving remote areas with persistent shortages.
According to TOI, a computerised posting system was introduced to curb interference, he said, adding, “We posted 1,000 PG doctors through this computerised process to make the trauma centres and first referral units functional.”
The debate later became heated when Congress MLA Ghanshyam Mahar claimed that heart attack cases had risen post-COVID-19 and called for research into vaccines.
Leader of Opposition Tikaram July demanded a scientific probe into the matter. BJP MLAs, including minister Madan Dilawar, objected to the remarks.
BJP MLA Shrichand Kripalani questioned Mahar about which vaccine he had received. Mahar responded that he did not know and alleged possible irregularities. In a separate intervention, BJP MLA Kesaram Chaudhary sought a permanent ban on hospitals found committing fraud under government schemes such as the RGHS.Also Read:7 doctors suspended over RGHS irregularities, FIRs ordered against hospital, diagnositic centreMedical Dialogues had previously reported that nearly seven government doctors have been suspended by the Rajasthan Health department for alleged irregularities under the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS).