**Hyderabad:** The State government is considering offering benefits to doctors who are willing to transfer from Hyderabad to other districts. This comes as many doctors are hesitant to leave the city, where they have been working for years.
The transfer process for health department employees began on Thursday. Many doctors have been staying in Hyderabad and do not want to move. If they transfer to other districts, they will lose their house rent allowances. To encourage doctors to accept transfers, the government is discussing ways to offer perks as compensation. If approved, this may lead more doctors to work in remote areas.
Some doctors in peripheral areas have been trying to find reasons to stay in Hyderabad. They often cite family reasons, such as having a spouse in the city. Others argue that they are specialists, and moving them could harm super specialty services in Hyderabad. Some doctors hold government positions while also practicing privately, which goes against regulations. Despite changes in government, these doctors have remained in their jobs, making it harder for rural doctors to access modern medical technology.
Teaching doctors are also frustrated because they feel they are missing out on opportunities. One doctor mentioned, “I have been working in Nizamabad for almost 12 years. I should also get the chance to work in the super specialty wings. Why can’t those in super specialty provide services in rural areas?”
Additionally, some doctors are using union membership as a way to avoid transfers. About 300 members claim to be union leaders and are seeking exemptions from moving. They want the government to consider official unions instead of all groups. While the current government seems committed to fair transfer policies, doctors are worried that some influential colleagues might find ways to avoid moving through various tactics.
