The Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) has dealt a significant blow to the state health department by staying the transfer of Director of Health Services (DHS) Dr K J Reena. The order, issued by the Thiruvananthapuram bench of the tribunal, came in response to a petition filed by Dr Reena challenging her transfer.
Petition Alleges Rule Violations
In her petition, Dr Reena argued that the transfer was executed in contravention of established rules and procedures. The tribunal's intervention follows a similar move earlier this month, when it put on hold the government's decision to transfer principals of government medical colleges.
The government had initially stated in the transfer order that Dr Reena applied for 15 days' leave during a period marked by the spread of infectious diseases. However, the order was subsequently revised.
Minister Responds to Setback
Health Minister K Muraleedharan downplayed the tribunal's decision, claiming it was not a setback for the government. "There are higher courts above the administrative tribunal. There is the High Court and Supreme Court to file appeals," he told reporters in Thrissur. "I want to make it clear that those who disobey the government's directions or try to sabotage government programs will not continue in positions of power as long as I am the minister."
When asked whether the stay orders on transfers—first of medical college principals and now the DHS—created an impression of hasty decisions, Muraleedharan said, "I like to make quick decisions, when needed, that is my style. Such a style of taking quick decisions will continue in the future."
Government Sympathetic to Nurses' Agitation
Responding to a query on the nurses' strike at Jubilee Mission Medical College Hospital and Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, which has been ongoing for three months, the minister said the government is sympathetic to their cause. "We have placed some suggestions before the management to end the nurses' strike. Our decision on those suggestions will be announced within a week," he added.
Earlier Defense of Transfer
Previously, Muraleedharan had defended the transfer, alleging that Dr Reena took actions that undermined the government. He cited her decision to inform the Travancore Devaswom Board that doctors would not be deputed for duty at Sabarimala and her alleged failure to communicate a confirmed Nipah test result as reasons for the transfer. The minister also stated that Dr Reena was not cooperating with the government.
