The belated PB4 and………..doctors’ PR requests

On the face of it the heading may sound a little vague but then I am trying to drive home a point. There has been a lot of heart burns in the delay in the implementation of PB4. But coming to think of it…… is not such a delay quite routine with our system? Let me explain it with this illustrative example.

A fouji doc serving in a peripheral location had put in his premature retirement application in the first week of November for the third time, his earlier two applications having been rejected. Fouji docs are at a disadvantage in that their PR applications need to be approved by the MoD unlike officers from other branches. After having gone through the channels it was “favourably recommended” by the DGMS in the first week of January, recommended by the DGAFMS in February and by the Service Chief in March when it was forwarded to the MoD.At the MoD the papers reached the D(Med) where it was scrutinized and a one page note prepared by a section officer. It is this important note that forms the basis of its rejection or approval by the JS at the MoD. However in our case this Officer’s application was rejected and the same was conveyed in the month of May.

The Service Chief was however a little irked in that an application recommended by him has been so unceremoniously rejected by a junior level Officer at the MoD ! He therefore took up the case with the MoD in the month of July for reconsideration . In September the MoD sends a small one line note which says “ The JS (….) has agreed to give a personal hearing to the Officer at the behest of the Service Chief”.(Please note the subtle arrogance that’s evident.). The Officer went to South Block after taking prior appointment , met the JS and the interview went somewhat like this.

“Doctor I am sorry I had to keep you waiting for an hour and a half. What can I do for you?”
“Sir, I have chosen to seek PR on compassionate grounds”
“Are you sure you will not regret your decision later?”
“Not at all Sir.”
“All right your application is approved.”
The Officer couldn’t believe that he had achieved his objective in just three and a half minutes of that interview !

He was finally granted PR wef 31 December…..full fourteen months after he had put in his papers…....................Now, that’s the delay that I was talking about.

Foujidocs may like to know a few things before putting in their papers.

· For GDMOs, with the present pay and perks it’s worthwhile continuing in service. Life would be rather difficult outside. Therefore be sure to look before you leap. For specialists/super specialists the openings outside are enormous with hefty packages starting from 1.25 – 1.50 pm being offered by corporate hospitals.
· Once you put in your papers be sure to keep track of it especially after it is sent to MoD.
· Be sure to go and meet that pip-squeak of a section officer at D(Med) as he is the most important cog in the wheel…..Ah yes, do not forget to Sir him a couple of times forgetting about your ego !
· A posting to RR Hospital at that stage may be of an added advantage !!!