PESHAWAR, Feb 25: Senior doctors at the NWFP health department are using delaying tactics to block implementation of the administrative cadre scheme despite the fact the scheme was notified three years back, sources told Dawn.

The NWFP government had decided to introduce administrative cadre in the health sector in view of administrative problems emanating from various sections headed by doctors. It was duly notified by the military-led government but some doctors occupying administrative posts successfully blocked its implementation.

"These senior managers fear that they may lose jobs because under the National Health Policy, doctors to be posted on administrative posts should have MPH (masters in public health) degrees and they lack this qualification", said the sources.

The doctors occupying posts of director, assistant director and executive district officer (health) do not want implementation of the cadre. They, the sources added, are unaware of administrative laws and are entirely dependant on their office superintendents who often misguided them on administrative matters.

In the administrative cadre the doctors holding MPH degrees have bright chances of rapid promotion but most of the MPH degree-holders are working against non-administrative posts, the sources added.

A high level meeting, held in July last year with the provincial health minister in chair, had decided to implement the administrative cadre and effect promotions of the doctors working on administrative posts in accordance with administrative cadre rules.

Under the new arrangement, medical officer in BPS-17, holding degrees in Masters in Public Health, Health Management Planning and Policy, Hospital Administration or Health Information System are to be appointed on administrative posts in the same pay scale.

The rules say 70 per cent promotion to BPS-18 should be made on seniority-cum-fitness basis and remaining 30 per cent through fresh recruitment on the recommendations of the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Ninety per cent promotion to BPS-19 are to be made on the basis of seniority-cum-fitness and remaining 10 per cent through fresh recruitment on the recommendation of the PSC.

To BPS-20, promotions are to be made on seniority-cum-fitness basis from amongst those already working in BPS-19. The government has also identified a total of 180 administrative posts.

After the notification, the sources revealed, the government had sent favourite doctors aboard on scholarships to obtain required degrees and on return they were awarded four advanced increments.

The sources said doctors working on administrative posts had taken admissions in private institution to fulfil formalities and get promotions in line with cadre's requirements.