Department removes ‘Dr’ from Ayush doctors

Jammu, July 7

Even as the government is encouraging people to felicitate Covid warriors, higher-ups in the Health Department here have told Ayush doctors to remove the prefix ‘Dr’ from their names.

Referring to orders from the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Jammu, three block medical officers (BMOs) have issued a controversial order, warning strict action against the Ayush doctors who use the prefix “Dr” for any official communication.

The department has, meanwhile, faced criticism for such orders amidst the ongoing pandemic.

Sources said initially, the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu, had issued a letter in response to the representation received on the behalf of ayurvedic graduates with instructions to all Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) for addressing prefix “Dr” with mid-level health providers, but soon after getting pressure from the medical fraternity, another letter was issued by the Director, mentioning therein that the issue of prefixing “Dr” title pertains to Mission Director NHM. — TNS