Berhampur, January 3, 2026: A medical officer posted at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Gobara, Odisha, has been suspended for allegedly remaining absent from duty and reportedly being found sleeping in his quarters in an intoxicated state last month.
District Administration Takes Action
The Ganjam district administration acted after finding the officer guilty of negligence. An official inquiry is expected to further investigate the matter. Meanwhile, the doctor has been reassigned to the district health office in Berhampur.
MLA Intervention Triggers Probe
The suspension follows a visit by Sorada MLA Nilamani Bisoyi to the CHC in November. During the visit, the MLA noticed a health worker performing the duties of the medical officer and learned that the doctor was absent and allegedly asleep in his quarters.
Escalation to Higher Authorities
MLA Bisoyi raised the issue with the Health Minister, Ganjam Collector, and Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), demanding strict action against the doctor for dereliction of duty.
Inquiry and Suspension
Following the complaint, CDMO Dr. Sushant Nayak instructed Bhanjanagar Sub-Divisional Medical Officer Dr. Sitanshu Sekhar Satpathy to conduct an inquiry. Based on the report, the CDMO suspended the doctor and fixed his headquarters at the district health office in Berhampur.
Political Reaction
Speaking to TNIE, MLA Bisoyi said, “Such conduct from a highly paid doctor was unacceptable. We will ensure the appointment of another doctor at the CHC to maintain healthcare services.”
Context of Absenteeism in Odisha Health Department
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the Odisha Health Department issued show-cause notices to 244 government doctors who had been absent from duty for prolonged periods. Some had not reported to work for months or even years without official leave.
Ongoing Government Measures
The government initially named 33 doctors who had been missing since 2010, giving them 15-day notices for explanation. A subsequent phase identified 211 more doctors absent for extended periods, reflecting systemic absenteeism issues in the state’s healthcare system.
