Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Dec 04 (KNS) : A night-duty roster system at the Community Health Centre in Sumbal sub district of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district has sparked allegations of institutional bias and political favouritism, with several female paramedical staff alleging they are being subjected to an unfair and exhausting burden while a select group remains exempt without valid grounds.

At the centre of the controversy is what the employees describe as a deeply skewed duty roster, reportedly influenced by the Block Medical Officer (BMO) of Sumbal, the Chief Medical Officer of Bandipora, and certain political intermediaries.

Out of nearly 35 female staff members including Junior Staff Nurses (JSNs), Female Multipurpose Health Workers (FMPHWs), Nursing Orderlies, and Hospital Development Fund (HDF) workers, only about 14, along with two HDF employees, are regularly assigned night shifts.

According to the staff, the remaining female employees enjoy unofficial exemptions not because of documented medical issues, but due to their “political proximity or bureaucratic backing.” One staff member cited the case of an FMPHW who obtained a medical exemption from the Bandipora Medical Board in 2020 through the then CMO.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelWhile such medical certificates typically have a defined validity period, this exemption has been indefinitely extended, raising questions of procedural integrity.

“We are not asking for favours but only fairness,” said one of the affected employees, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We seek equitable distribution of duties and genuine accommodation for staff with valid medical issues, not for those protected by influence.”

The employees claim their repeated written and verbal appeals to the BMO and CMO have been dismissed without redress. Those bearing the brunt of the night duties report growing medical, physical, and psychological strain, with some fearing it may push them to a breaking point.

The allegations point to a broader concern within the Health Department in Bandipora, where employees say political interference and opaque decision-making are eroding morale and undermining a system meant to serve the public.

“We want justice, transparency, and humane treatment. Nothing more, nothing less,” the staff members said.

The appealed higher district and health authorities to intervene and restore a sense of equity and trust in the system.(KNS)