Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government has notified the long-anticipated cadre separation in the Health Department, splitting employees between the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) and the Directorate of Health Services (DHS).

This move, aimed at strengthening the healthcare system, comes amidst a storm of controversy surrounding alleged "bribe for transfer" dealings in the department.

A Health Department spokesperson confirmed that employees from various categories, including nursing, paramedical staff, ministerial staff, radiographers, operation theatre assistants, drivers, and Class-IV employees, were given the option to choose their preferred cadre.

In the final tally, 74.44% of the staff (14,573 employees) opted for DHS, while 5,002 chose DME. The government has promised separate recruitments for both directorates to address staff shortages and ensure balanced service delivery.

While the move is being projected as a strategic decision to enhance healthcare services across Himachal Pradesh, the timing has raised eyebrows.

Just weeks ago, BJP MLA Satpal Satti set off a political firestorm in the Vidhan Sabha by alleging a massive "bribe for transfer" scam involving a top health official known as "Bibi."

The accusation has left the government scrambling to defend its policies while critics question whether cadre separation is a genuine reform or a smokescreen to deflect attention from internal corruption.

The cadre restructuring follows a similar Vyastha Parivartan initiative in the Education Department.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has emphasized that the government is committed to strengthening healthcare services and improving infrastructure.

Plans are already underway to replace outdated medical equipment in health institutions with advanced technology in the coming months.

However, the opposition isn’t convinced. “What is the guarantee that this restructuring will not be manipulated the same way transfers are being sold like commodities in this department?” asked a senior BJP leader.

The government’s silence on the allegations of corruption has only fueled speculation, with many questioning whether cadre separation will truly lead to better healthcare or simply create new power centers within the system.

For now, the people of Himachal Pradesh wait to see if this bureaucratic overhaul translates into improved medical services or if it turns into another controversy-laden initiative.