Amaravati, October 2 (Daily Kiran) : The Andhra Pradesh government has taken decisive action against doctors who have been absent from duty for extended periods without permission. The Director of Secondary Health (DSH) announced the dismissal of 70 doctors who had not reported for work for over a year.
Officials from the DSH and the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) submitted a report to Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav regarding these absences. The minister instructed officials to enforce strict measures against doctors who have been away without authorization.
According to officials, the dismissed doctors were issued show-cause notices under government civil service rules. After following the necessary procedures, they were ultimately terminated from service. The action was taken in accordance with Rule 20 of the Andhra Pradesh Civil Service (CCA) Rules, 1991. These doctors held positions as Civil Assistant Surgeons, specializing in various fields including obstetrics, ENT, and general medicine.
Additionally, 154 other doctors working under the DSH have also been found absent without permission. They have received show-cause notices, and further action is underway in various stages.
Doctors who come forward after receiving their notices will be given a chance to return to work, albeit with potential disciplinary actions, including salary reductions. So far, 78 doctors have already resumed their duties under this process.
The government has decided to extend a final opportunity to 39 doctors working under the DME who have been absent for over a year but less than two years. These doctors had previously received show-cause notices but failed to respond or return to duty.
DME Director Dr. Vishnuvardhan stated that these doctors will be given one last chance according to service rules. If they do not respond, they will face termination.
Among the 39 doctors are five professors, four associate professors, and 30 assistant professors, all of whom have been absent without official leave. Earlier this year, in May, 51 doctors working under the DME were permanently dismissed for similar reasons.
Officials noted that some doctors cited reasons for their absences, including private practice, dissatisfaction with postings, health issues, and personal matters. Some have not reported for duty since joining the government service.
Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav recently directed department heads to take strict action against employees absent without permission. He emphasized that the process for removing long-absent employees should be completed within three months, adhering to set standards. He also instructed that vacancies should be filled under a ‘zero vacancy policy.’
A recent assessment revealed that a total of 493 doctors and other staff members were found absent from duty across various departments, with the highest numbers reported under the DSH and DME. This includes contractual staff working under the National Health Mission, as well as employees from health and family welfare departments, AYUSH, and the Drug Control Administration.
Officials informed the health minister that actions are being initiated in accordance with service rules and disciplinary processes for all 493 cases. In situations where termination is warranted, employees will be dismissed from service.
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