22 doctors issued show-cause notices over unauthorised absence in Bhagalpur
Bhagalpur: Authorities in Bihar's Bhagalpur have initiated action against 22 doctors found absent from duty during an ongoing drive to identify doctors, nurses, and paramedical personnel who were absent without prior permission, disrupting services at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and other government hospitals.
The action follows a warning issued by Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar against unauthorised absenteeism and negligence among healthcare workers. So far, 22 doctors posted at various block-level health centres have been found absent from duty during the ongoing inspection and enforcement exercise.
The health department has issued show-cause notices to the doctors, and initiated steps, including disciplinary action and suspension, besides sending reports to the state health department. According to official sources, many doctors have already faced consequences for the prolonged unauthorised absence.
Speaking to the Times of India, Bhagalpur civil surgeon Dr Ashok Prasad said that a list including the names of absent doctors had been prepared and it would be delivered to the state health department for disciplinary action and future action plans. “A total of 22 doctors posted at different block-level health centres have been found absent so far,” he said.
Ashok stated that 13 medical professionals remained absent from duty despite not securing any permission from the authorities. Surprisingly, nine had not performed their duty for several years, including one who was relieved for higher studies. He noted that the shortfall had disrupted patient care and medical services, while also placing additional pressure on the existing doctors, nurses, and paramedical personnel. Providing information on the absent doctors, he mentioned that stringent disciplinary measures were under consideration for them.
Medical Dialogues had reported that a surprise inspection by Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar at PMCH included a review of hospital facilities, patient care services, medicine availability, and infrastructure. The minister also interacted with patients and staff as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery.
