Twelve dispensaries are without Ayurvedic Medical Officer (AMOs) and in the rest some doctors, who are allegedly enjoying official and political patronage, are on the same post for more than 15 years.

Apart from this, though the doctors are drawing salaries up to Rs 30,000 per month on an average, the medical fee, charged from patients, which is deposited with the government treasury, is just Rs 200 per month. The main reasons for low patient turnout are the lack of awareness about ayurveda and absenteeism among doctors.

Besides salaries, money is also needed to run the dispensaries, reveals information provided by District Ayurvedic and Unani Medicines Officer Dr Shyam Sundar to Dr Harpal Singh Ajnala, a retired Ayurvedic Officer and a social worker.

Ajnala, who also claims to be the president of the Punjab State Ayurvedic Medical Officers' Association, says mismanagement and absenteeism has marred these dispensaries in the border areas. There had been complaints that doctors often skip duties and health centres are devoid of sufficient infrastructure and regular supply of medicines, he adds.

“I am amazed that some of the doctors are at the same post for the past 15 or more years, against the general practice whereby government officials are transferred after every three years. Inspections either don't take place or are a mere eyewash, as doctors are informed in advance about the raid,” he alleges.

Information sought under the RTI Act reveals that Dr Ghansham Singh has been working at an ayurvedic dispensary at Dhotian village since 1979; Atamjit Singh at Akalgarh-Dhapaian village since 1995; Dr Manjit Singh at Bhail since 1995; Dr Nirmal at Baherhwal since 1997; Dr Satinderbir Singh at Dhulka since 1989; Dr Milap Singh at Gaggobua since 1993; Dr Shashi Bhusan at Mahmudpura since 1989; Sukhminder Kaur at Gaggarbhana since 1993; Dr Poonam Gupta at Ughar Aulakh since 1996; Dr Tarsem Singh at Suwind from 1989; Dr Onkar Chand at Manochahal since 1995; Dr Krishan Kumar at Wadala Kalan since 1989 and Dr Balwinderjit Singh at Kang village since 1995.

Dr Shyam Sundar, however, says the information was sought by the applicant in his personal capacity and should not have made it public.