RAWALPINDI, Oct 19: Uncertainty exists at the district headquarters hospital (DHQ) and Holy Family Hospital (HFH), following reports of anticipated change of medical superintendents of the two hospitals.

Medical circles have resented and expressed disappointment on the news, mainly because the persons hinted to replace the present heads allegedly do not enjoy very good reputation with their colleagues.

Dr Mohammad Ali has already taken over the charge of Rawalpindi General Hospital. While Dr Mazhar and Dr Firdaus Shah are expected to be appointed as heads of the other two hospitals.

These transfers are being made in violation of a directive by the former Rawalpindi corps commander, barring transfers of present MS for the time being so that they could work for the improvement of the hospitals with devotion.

“Things were moving and improvements were carried out under the present heads,” one of the doctors said. If these transfers promised more improvements, it would be welcomed, but the reputation of the people, being brought in, suggest otherwise.

Military authorities in Rawalpindi did not endorse the replacements and appeared at odds with the decision. They opined that things were working smoothly and hospitals were trying their best to deliver, but things may change for the worse, after the changing of heads.

Health department high ups had also disassociated themselves from the transfers.

The only reason cited by the authorities for the proposed transfers is that the incumbent were junior to some of the officers.

Doctors and the public are questioning this notion, saying whether seniority is the only criteria for postings and transfers and efficiency and competency not important while taking such decisions.

The doctors recalled the changes introduced by the present administrators. In DHQ and HFH pilferage of medicines had been effectively checked resulting in better provision of medicines to the patients.

In DHQ particularly, the doctors said, establishment of the ITCU, CCU and complaint cell were few of the achievements of the incumbent MS.

During the present DHQ MS’s tenure Health Management System was established through donation, OPD formulatory was introduced and equipment procured from England as donation by Prof Charles for the setting up of the first Burn Unit in the city.

The HFH also underwent improvement with the commissioning of latest medical equipment, not available at most of the hospitals of the country. The hospital is presently rated as one of the best hospitals of the twin cities. It also has an active Patients Welfare Society which has installed a public address system at the hospital and also provides food to the patients.