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

Mumbai: More than 400 doctors posted as probationary medical officers at healthcare facilities across Maharashtra have been terminated for being absent from duty for a long time.

The action was taken by the Maharashtra Health Department on Wednesday after the department found that these doctors had not reported to work for an extended period.

These doctors were appointed as probationary medical officers under the ‘Group A’ government service category. According to the rules, if a probationary doctor stays absent for more than a week without permission, the government can either extend their probation period by up to a year or terminate their services altogether.

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Akola district in Vidarbha saw the highest number of terminations, while more than 45 doctors whose services were terminated were from Mumbai, Thane and Konkan.

Specifying the reason, an official from the health department told HT, “Many of these doctors did not complete their services as they have gone for higher studies or joined better jobs."

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that Maharashtra's public healthcare system is likely to reel under a worsening staffing crisis, as more than 500 specialist doctors have refused to take up government jobs, compelling the state to cancel their appointments. The vacancies, meant for gynaecologists, paediatricians, anaesthetists, and other specialists, were part of a recruitment drive aimed at strengthening public hospitals, especially in rural and tribal areas.

However, poor pay, inadequate infrastructure, and delays in the hiring process have pushed many doctors to turn their backs on government appointments and opt for private practice or out-of-state opportunities instead.

Despite multiple recruitment attempts, Maharashtra’s public hospitals remain short-staffed, especially in rural and tribal regions. Many hospitals lack essential medical equipment and support staff, making it difficult for specialists to function effectively.

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