AP: 51 Govt doctors dismissed for prolonged absence from duty

Vijayawada: In a major disciplinary crackdown, the Andhra Pradesh government has dismissed 51 doctors working in teaching hospitals under the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) for remaining absent from duty without authorisation for prolonged periods.

According to the news reports, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced that the dismissed faculty members' list includes 8 Associate Professors, 41 Assistant Professors, and two tutors, some of whom had stayed away from duty for six years.

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Speaking to TNIE, the Minister said dismissals were carried out under the AP Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which empower the government to treat absence beyond one year as resignation. He mentioned that show-cause notices were issued and time was given, but with no response forthcoming, the government proceeded with the termination of faculty members. “Negligence in medical service cannot be tolerated. Responsibility is non-negotiable,” he asserted. Officials revealed that many of the absentees had distanced themselves from duties to pursue business interests, impacting patient care in teaching hospitals.

The DME collected detailed reports from government medical colleges located in Kadapa, Anantapur, Ongole, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Rajahmundry, Eluru, Nellore, and Markapuram before finalising the list of absentees.

Among the cases highlighted by the government, one Associate Professor from Andhra Medical College had allegedly remained absent since February 2020, while an Assistant Professor had not reported for duty since August 2022. Two tutors were also found absent, including one individual who had reportedly stayed away from duty for nearly seven years.

The Health Minister further stated that disciplinary action is likely against three more professors who have also remained absent for extended durations.

At the same time, the government indicated that 11 doctors who had been absent for less than a year resumed duties after receiving charge memos. However, 33 others, including two Associate Professors and 31 Assistant Professors, continue to remain absent. Authorities warned that they too could face dismissal if they fail to report back to work.

Meanwhile, the state government would take up recruitment of faculty members in the government medical colleges soon under a zero vacancy policy, reports Deccan Chronicle.

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