70 doctors slapped show-cause notice for abstaining from bond service in Andhra Pradesh

Vijayawada: Taking strict action against 70 civil assistant surgeons, who did not join government duties after completing their post-graduation (PG) courses from in-service quota, the Andhra Pradesh State Government has issued show-cause notices to them.

As per the rules, it is mandatory for doctors joining PG seats from in-service quota to work in the public sector government hospitals for five years. However, these doctors allegedly did not comply with this norm.

Therefore, by issuing show-cause notices to them, the State has asked them to pay hefty compensation. Further, these doctors have also been asked to return the salary drawn during their PG service if they fail to return to their duties, TOI has reported.

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The Times of India has reported that the special chief secretary M T Krishnababy discovered the irregularity during the verification of the vacancies in different government hospitals. Taking note of the situation, he immediately issued directions to the officials to take action. 

Accordingly, the Medical Health Department identified that even though these doctors secured the PG seats with the help of In-service quota, they did not join the government duties as per the norms. The Department noted that many of these doctors had been abstaining from duties for several years.

In fact, some of the doctors whose names are on the list of absentees completed their PG courses in 2017. Therefore, these doctors were not tracked and made to work in the government hospitals after completing their PG courses.

During their admission to the PG courses under the In-service quota, these doctors had to submit a bond with an undertaking to serve in the government sector for at least five years after completing their PG courses. As per the bond terms, the doctors promise to pay Rs 20 lakh as compensation and return the salaries drawn during the PG studies, if they failed to work in the government hospitals.

Issuing show-cause notices to these 70 doctors, the State Government has asked them to respond to the notices before June 15 to avoid facing legal action.

Also Read: Doctors rejoining duties without approval after higher studies: JnK Health and Medical Education dept issues advisory