Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government plans to initiate disciplinary measures against 196 doctors who failed to report for duty after their sanctioned leave expired. Odisha Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling made this announcement on Monday during a State Assembly session.
Responding to a query by BJP MLA Tankadhar Tripathy, Dr. Mahaling stated that the absentee doctors are from various cadres, including the Odisha Medical Health Service (OMHS), Odisha Medical Education Service (OMES), and Odisha Homeopathic Medical Service (OHMS). These doctors have reportedly cited multiple reasons for their prolonged absence.
“The government will act according to established provisions to address these absences,” the minister said.
The issue is compounded by a statewide shortage of medical professionals. In response to a question from BJD MLA Prashant Behera, Dr. Mahaling revealed that 5,014 doctor positions remain unfilled across Odisha, including 1,114 specialist posts.
This shortage has left rural areas particularly vulnerable. Dr. Mahaling highlighted that 375 community health centers (CHCs) in the state’s 30 districts are operating without any doctors.
Ganjam district is the most affected, with 450 general medical vacancies and 87 specialist positions unfilled. Mayurbhanj follows with 309 general vacancies and 87 specialist posts. Urban areas like Khurda and Cuttack are also struggling, with 12 and 281 vacancies, respectively.
The Odisha government has vowed to address these challenges by filling vacant positions and enforcing stricter measures to combat absenteeism. However, the extent of the problem underscores systemic issues in the state’s healthcare system, particularly in ensuring equitable access to medical professionals in underserved regions.
“With rural areas bearing the brunt of the shortages, the state must develop long-term solutions to bridge these gaps and improve healthcare delivery. Without such measures, the situation will only deteriorate,” warned Manoj Jena, a civil society activist.
