493 doctors on unauthorised leave, AP Health Minister orders action
AP Health Minister
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav has directed officials to initiate action against 493 doctors who continued to remain absent from duty without permission.
The Minister directed authorities to initiate proceedings against doctors and staff members who have been absent from their duties without approval for an extended period. At a review meeting held in Mangalagiri, officials informed the Minister that 493 doctors were still on unauthorised leave, reports the Daily.
He also directed that suitable action be taken against them within three months. The Minister further asked officials to seek clarifications from personnel responsible for the delay in disposal of files and to start disciplinary measures wherever required.
The review meeting also looked into the pendency arising due to shortage of personnel. As per an official release from the department, 4,410 issues were placed before the Minister after the TDP-led NDA government assumed charge, with a large number pertaining to transfers. Of these, only about 40% of files were cleared, reports the Indian Practitioner.
According to the department's statement, the Minister instructed officials to make sure that no file stays pending at any stage beyond two days. The department also resolved to create a dashboard for tracking file movement and enhancing accountability.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary G. Veerapandian, Joint Secretary Ronanki Gopalakrishna, Director General of Drug Control Administration Arun Babu, along with other senior officials.
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that Health Minister Yadav announced stringent disciplinary action against 43 Civil Assistant Surgeons (CAS) for prolonged unauthorised absence from duty at government hospitals across the state. The Health Department said the doctors, some of whom have reportedly been absent for up to four years, will be permanently dismissed from service after failing to respond to official show-cause notices and formal charges. Prior to that, the Andhra Pradesh government dismissed 51 doctors working in teaching hospitals under the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) for remaining absent from duty without authorisation for prolonged periods.
