A Medical Officer appointed at Government Medical College, Srinagar, has been disengaged with retrospective effect from May 1, 2025, after repeated notices failed to secure her return to duty.
Doctor Removed From Service Over Unauthorised Absence
The Jammu and Kashmir government has terminated the engagement of a Medical Officer appointed at Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, over prolonged unauthorised absence from duty and failure to provide a satisfactory explanation despite repeated opportunities to resume service.
According to an order issued by the Health and Medical Education Department, the doctor was appointed as a Medical Officer on an Academic Arrangement Basis and has been disengaged with retrospective effect from May 1, 2025, the date from which she remained absent without authorisation.
Show-Cause Notice Issued Over Absence
The order stated that the Medical Superintendent of Government Lalla Ded Hospital, Srinagar, reported the doctor’s unauthorised absence to the GMC administration.
Following this, a show-cause notice was issued directing her to resume duty and submit an explanation for her absence within seven days.
Doctor Cited Father’s Ill Health
In her response, the doctor cited the ill health of her father as the reason for remaining away from duty.
However, according to the government, she neither resumed her duties nor complied with subsequent directions seeking a clear status regarding her return to service.
Despite repeated notices and adequate opportunities, the doctor failed to provide a satisfactory explanation or rejoin her duties, the order stated.
Government Cites Impact on Patient Care
The Jammu and Kashmir government observed that the doctor’s prolonged absence had adversely affected patient-care services at Government Lalla Ded Hospital.
The department said the disengagement was carried out under provisions governing appointments made on an Academic Arrangement Basis, which permit termination in cases of unauthorised absence or misconduct.
No Further Notice Required, Says Department
The Health and Medical Education Department noted that the doctor had already been provided adequate opportunities to explain her absence and resume service.
The department therefore held that no further notice was warranted before terminating her engagement, reports Kashmir Life.
The latest action comes amid similar disciplinary measures against healthcare professionals for alleged violations of service conditions. Medical Dialogues had previously reported that an Associate Professor in the Department of Community Medicine at Government Medical College, Handwara, had his engagement cancelled by the Jammu and Kashmir government for non-compliance with the terms and conditions of his appointment.
