Vijayawada:
Six government doctors are facing an investigation after Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav accused them of corruption, absenteeism, dereliction of duty, and issuing illegal disability certificates. These allegations are based on multiple investigative reports that have highlighted misconduct within the healthcare system.
Health Minister Orders Inquiry
In response to the serious accusations, Minister Satya Kumar Yadav has ordered a thorough inquiry into the matter. He emphasized that strict actions would be taken if the allegations against the doctors are proven to be true.
Misconduct by Doctors Revealed Through Investigations
The involvement of the six doctors surfaced after several complaints were filed against them, prompting detailed investigations. One of the doctors, the medical superintendent at Gudivada Government Area Hospital, was found to have a troubling pattern of absenteeism. Despite her frequent absence, her attendance was regularly marked in the hospital register.
Absenteeism at Gudivada Hospital
Preliminary investigations revealed that the medical superintendent had signed the attendance register without actually being present at work. She had been absent for 22 days between January and March, yet her attendance was recorded through a facial recognition system. The investigation further showed that she had spent time in other cities—Machilipatnam for one day, Tanuku for eight days, and Visakhapatnam for 13 days.
Following this discovery, the superintendent was issued a notice to explain her actions, but her response was deemed unsatisfactory. Consequently, the minister has directed action against the superintendent and other health officials in the Krishna district for failing to conduct a proper inquiry.
Long Absence of Civil Surgeon in Yemmiganuru
Another case involves a civil surgeon from Yemmiganuru Area Hospital, who has been absent from her duties since February 2022 without official permission or any valid justification. An inquiry has been initiated into her prolonged absence.
Illegal Disability Certificates Issued in Eluru
Three more doctors are now under investigation for allegedly issuing disability certificates in exchange for bribes. According to an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) report, five disability certificates were illegally issued at the Government Hospital in Eluru, with bribes ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 per certificate.
Nellore Health Officer Found Guilty of Dereliction of Duty
In a separate, severe case, the municipal health officer of Nellore Municipality was found guilty of neglecting his responsibilities. The ACB report revealed that he failed to collect Rs 12 crore in revenue, overlooked 44 hospitals operating without licenses, and neglected to monitor 27 function halls. The Health Minister has allowed municipal authorities to take necessary action against him.
Minister’s Strong Stance on Healthcare Discipline
Minister Satya Kumar Yadav has made it clear that strict measures will be taken to uphold discipline in the healthcare system. He stressed that these actions were essential to ensure accountability and integrity within government healthcare services.
