Posted By :  Admin1

Jaipur: Following the completion of their PhDs, three nurses in Rajasthan have been denied permission by the state's medical and health department to use the title "Dr" with their names. The nurses stationed in the health department of Rajasthan submitted a proposal requesting permission to use the title "Dr" with their names upon completing their PhDs. Suresh Nawal, the director (non-gazetted) of the medical and health department, issued a letter on February 9, stating that despite receiving proposals from three nurses seeking permission to use the title "Dr" before their names, the administrative department has not granted them permission to do so. Narendra Singh Shekhawat, the state president of the Rajasthan Nurses Association, remarked that the directive has disheartened nursing staff who engage in research within their field, resulting in eventual benefits for patients. Shekhawat stated, "The department has refused permission for nurses with PhDs to use the 'Dr' title. We intend to appeal to higher authorities in the government. Those with PhDs wish to utilize the 'Dr' title in their names. However, this necessitates changes in documents, and obtaining government permission, which has been declined." He added, "Granting the 'Dr' title to those with PhDs will serve as encouragement for nurses to pursue further research and higher studies, ultimately benefiting the patients." While the letter does not elaborate on the rationale behind withholding permission for nurses to use the title, an official from the health department expressed concerns that granting such permission could cause confusion among the public, who might struggle to differentiate between medical doctors and nurses holding PhDs.