Long-standing absenteeism exposes gaps in public healthcare system; specialists missing for years across districts
The Rajasthan Health Department has initiated strict action against 697 government doctors who remain on official records but have allegedly been absent from duty for years—some for over two decades—triggering serious concerns about healthcare delivery across the state.
Severe Specialist Shortage Hits Government Hospitals
According to official reports, the list of absentee doctors spans critical specialities such as gynaecology, paediatrics, radiology, surgery, and general medicine. Despite being marked as “in service” on paper, their prolonged absence has created a widening manpower gap in government hospitals.
This discrepancy has left many healthcare facilities understaffed, forcing patients to deal with long waiting times and limited access to essential medical services, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
Termination Process Underway
Health officials confirmed that the process to terminate these doctors has begun. Many had previously been issued notices for voluntary absence but failed to respond.
Dr Ravi Prakash Sharma, Director (Public Health), stated that authorities are collecting detailed records from district-level officers regarding these doctors. He clarified that although these individuals have not received salaries during their absence, they continue to remain listed as government employees.
Shocking Cases of Long-Term Absenteeism
A departmental review has revealed alarming instances of prolonged absence:
- In Udaipur, a paediatrician has reportedly been missing since July 2004, while a gynaecologist has been absent since 2013.
- At JLN Hospital in Ajmer, a surgical specialist has not reported for duty since 2007.
Ajmer district tops the list with 41 absentee doctors, followed by Jaipur with 29 such cases.
Reasons Behind Absence
Officials indicate that many doctors stopped reporting after transfers, while awaiting further postings, or after completing postgraduate studies in government institutions. The department has categorized such prolonged absence as a serious violation of service rules and dereliction of duty.
Strict Action Directed at District Level
The Health Department has circulated the list to Chief Medical and Health Officers (CMHOs) across all districts, directing immediate action. Key instructions include:
- Submission of detailed status reports on each absentee doctor
- Initiation of disciplinary proceedings under CCA rules within five days for those absent over a year
- Issuance of notices and completion of departmental inquiries
- Sending termination proposals in applicable cases
Authorities have also been asked to review cases where doctors are willing to return and provide recommendations accordingly.
Recovery Action for Bond Violations
In addition to disciplinary measures, the department has ordered recovery proceedings against doctors who pursued postgraduate studies under government quotas but failed to fulfill mandatory service bonds.
Push for Accountability in Public Healthcare
This large-scale crackdown highlights systemic issues within Rajasthan’s public healthcare framework, where sanctioned positions often appear filled on records but remain vacant in practice. The move is expected to improve accountability and ensure better availability of medical professionals in government hospitals.
The action signals a firm stance by the state government to address negligence and strengthen healthcare delivery for the public.
