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

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Health Department has 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, have reportedly not turned up for work in months or even years without official leave.

In the notice, the department has directed the doctors to respond and explain the reasons for their prolonged absence. It also said that if they fail to reply, strict action will be taken, including dismissal from service.

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- Over 400 Govt doctors sacked due to their prolonged absence from duty

This ongoing problem has not only affected healthcare services in many areas but also blocked the hiring of new doctors. Since these absent doctors are still technically considered to be on the job, their positions cannot be filled.

The Odisha Medical Service Association says poor working conditions, low pay, and lack of career growth are major reasons why doctors leave their posts, especially in rural areas. Consequently, many doctors are migrating to private medical institutions where there is better remuneration and improved work environments.

Additional Health Secretary Dr Bijay Mohapatra told Odisha TV, "The government has taken up the matter seriously. A database about the absentee doctors is being prepared, and show cause notices are being served. Actions will be taken as per the disciplinary process of the government."

Similarly, Odisha Medical Service Association President Dr Kishore Chandra Mishra said, "There is hardly any promotion in the government sector. The doctors who are going to the KBK districts for five years are staying there for more than 10 years. The doctors don't even have a proper quarter there. As a result, they are switching to the private sector to get more remuneration and improved work environments."

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