6 Govt doctors under scrutiny for alleged corruption, absenteeism in Andhra Pradesh

Vijayawada: Six government doctors are under scrutiny after Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav accused them of corruption, absenteeism, dereliction of duty and issuing illegal disability certificates. The accusations are based on findings from multiple investigation reports highlighting their misconduct.

Taking action against the doctors, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav has ordered an inquiry and stated that strict action would be taken if the allegations are proven true.

The involvement of these doctors came to light after multiple complaints were filed against them, prompting investigations. One of them, the medical superintendent of Gudivada Government Area Hospital, was found frequently absent from duty, but her register showed regular marked attendance.  

Also read- Doctor Faces Inquiry for Allegedly Issuing Fake Medical Certificates

Deccan Chronicle has reported that a preliminary investigation revealed that she had signed the attendance register without actually attending work and was absent for 22 days between January and March, but still managed to mark her attendance through a facial recognition system. Her presence was noted in Machilipatnam for one day, Tanuku for eight days, and Visakhapatnam for 13 days.  

Following this, she was issued a notice asking her to explain the matter, but her response was not convincing. Due to this, the minister has ordered action against her and the district coordinator for health services in Krishna district, as well as the district medical and health officer of Krishna, for failing to conduct a proper inquiry.

Another case involved a civil surgeon at Yemmiganuru Area Hospital, who has been absent from work since February 2022 without official permission or any valid reason. An inquiry has also been ordered into her long absence.

Meanwhile, three more doctors are now facing an inquiry for illegally issuing disability certificates by taking bribes. An Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) report revealed that five disability certificates were illegally issued at the Government Hospital in Eluru in exchange for bribes ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000. 

In another serious case, the municipal health officer of Nellore Municipality was also found guilty of dereliction of duty. According to the ACB report, he failed to collect Rs 12 crore in revenue, ignored 44 hospitals operating without proper licenses, and did not monitor 27 function halls. The minister has now allowed municipal authorities to take action against him.

The Health Minister made it clear that strict measures would be taken to ensure discipline in the healthcare system.  

Also read- Allahabad HC Directs Inquiry into Private Practice by Medical College Doctors