244 doctors issued notices; disciplinary actions, including dismissals, likely
Bhubaneswar : The Odisha Health Department has initiated a major crackdown on prolonged absenteeism among government-employed doctors across the state. In a decisive move, the department has released a list of 244 doctors who have been absent without authorization, and issued show-cause notices demanding justification for their absence.
33 Doctors Missing Since 2010, More to Follow
The drive began with a list of 33 doctors who have been missing since 2010, each receiving a 15-day notice to respond. In the next phase, an additional 211 names were made public. The department is reportedly preparing a comprehensive database of such absentee doctors to facilitate further disciplinary action.
Poor Infrastructure, Career Stagnation Behind Exodus
Speaking on the issue, Additional Health Secretary Dr Bijay Mohapatra stated, “The government has taken up the matter seriously. Actions will be taken as per the disciplinary process.”
The Odisha Medical Service Association (OMSA) has pointed to low pay, lack of promotions, and poor working conditions, especially in rural and remote districts, as major causes for doctors abandoning their posts.
“Doctors posted in KBK districts for five years are often forced to stay more than a decade without promotion or proper housing. Many are now migrating to the private sector,” said OMSA President Dr Kishore Chandra Mishra.
Recruitment Drive to Fill Growing Vacancies
With the issue affecting the healthcare delivery system and delaying new appointments, the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has been directed to recruit 5,248 new doctors to fill the impending vacancies. The Health Department is also working on streamlining the disciplinary process to prevent such occurrences in the future.
