Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu December 2, 2025: In a major disciplinary move aimed at streamlining public health record-keeping, Block Medical Officers (BMOs) across Kishtwar district have ordered the immediate withholding of salaries for 44 doctors and other health staff due to consistently poor and unsatisfactory performance in the uploading and updating of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) data.
Official “Explanation Notices” issued by BMOs, including those from Chatroo, Paddar, Kishtwar and Dachhan blocks, state that the officials’ negligence and “dereliction of duties” have been repeatedly flagged but remain unaddressed, severely inconveniencing the public and “hampering the smooth functioning of the National program.”
Negligence Affecting National Health Program
The National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) heavily relies on accurate and timely data entry for effective planning and resource allocation.
The notices sternly highlight that the poor data performance remains “very poor and unsatisfactory” despite repeated verbal and written reminders. The documents make it clear that this continued negligence is “affecting the overall functioning and timely reporting of the department.”
The affected staff, which includes Medical Officers (MOs), ANMs, MPHWs, and other health officials, have been directed to submit a written explanation within 48 hours detailing the reasons for their poor performance and failure to comply with instructions.
In a strong ultimatum, the notices declare “Meanwhile, your salary for the month of November 2025 is kept with held till further orders. You are further warned to ensure that, improve your performance immediately…” read one of the notice issued by Chatroo BMO.
The BMOs have also warned that non-compliance will invite “further disciplinary action as per rules” and that the salaries will remain withheld until “satisfactory improvement is observed” and the written response is reviewed.
Signaling the gravity of the issue, copies of the explanation notices have been marked to top administrative authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, and the Chief Medical Officer, Kishtwar, for information, compliance, and necessary action, particularly directing the stoppage of salaries for the concerned staff.
This mass action underscores the local administration’s commitment to ensuring the accountability of health officials and the integrity of vital public health data in the district.
