Srinagar, Nov 30: Doctors Association of Kashmir (DAK) on Saturday expressed concern over the obstacles being placed before medical officers seeking No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to pursue higher studies in Jammu and Kashmir.
As per existing government orders, every medical officer who has completed five years of uninterrupted service is eligible to apply for an NOC to further their education and pursue PG)programs. However, many MOs are now arbitrarily denied this opportunity.
DAK said that historically, rural service requirements were scrapped, and 50 percent of DNB seats in J&K were allocated to in-service doctors, ensuring equal opportunities for professional growth while serving regional healthcare needs.
President, DAK, Dr. M. Y. Tak said this year, many DDOs including BMOs, CMOs, and Medical Superintendents refuse to grant NOCs to eligible doctors.
“A recent circular from Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) mandates that DDOs must confirm in writing that granting an NOC will not affect operations in their respective hospitals or blocks. This requirement has become a barrier with officers using it as a pretext to deny NOCs,” he said.
Tak said that pursuing higher studies is a fundamental right of medical officers, critical for maintaining and improving the quality of healthcare services in the region.
The DAK urged the government to reduce the mandatory five-year service requirement to three years that will allow medical officers to apply for NOC sooner and pursue advanced training without unnecessary delays.
The doctor’ body urged the government to relook into the prevailing policy on registrarship and higher studies so that doctors are not denied their due right.
DAK requested Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, Health and Medical Education Minister, Sakina Itoo, Administrative Secretary H&ME, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed and Director Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) to intervene in this matter and ensure that eligible medical officers are granted NOCs without undue hindrances.
