Dereliction of duty: CHC Gobara medical officer suspended

Berhampur: A medical officer posted at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Gobara has been suspended for allegedly remaining absent from duty and reportedly being found sleeping in his quarters in an intoxicated condition last month.

The Ganjam district administration took action after finding the medical officer guilty of negligence in duty. An inquiry is expected to be conducted soon to further investigate the matter.

Meanwhile, the doctor has been attached to the district health office in Berhampur.

Also read- Govt doctor suspended after being found absent from duty

The action comes after Sorada MLA Nilamani Bisoyi visited the CHC in November, during which he found a health worker carrying out the duties of the medical officer. On inquiry, the MLA learnt that Dr *** was not on duty and was reportedly found sleeping in his quarters.

The MLA raised the issue with the Health Minister, the Ganjam Collector, and the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), demanding strict action against the doctor for being absent during working hours.

Following this, CDMO Dr Sushant Nayak asked Bhanjanagar Sub-Divisional Medical Officer Dr Sitanshu Sekhar Satpathy to conduct an inquiry. Based on the inquiry report, the CDMO suspended the doctor and fixed his headquarters at the district health office in Berhampur.

Speaking to TNIE, Bisoyi said, "Such conduct from a highly paid doctor was unacceptable. We would ensure the appointment of another doctor at the CHC."

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that the Odisha Health Department issued show-cause notices to 244 government doctors who have been missing from duty for a long time. These doctors, posted at various government hospitals and health centres, reportedly not turned up for work in months or even years without official leave.

At first, the government named 33 doctors who have been missing since 2010, issuing a 15-day notice to them for explanation. The subsequent phase disclosed a further 211 names of doctors who have been absent for extended periods.

Also read- Odisha Govt issues show-cause notices to 244 doctors over prolonged absence