Absentee Odisha govt doctors hold important posts, Health Dept issues show cause notices

The Health Department in Odisha is currently addressing a critical issue concerning the prolonged absenteeism of government-employed doctors at various medical institutions in the state.

 Authorities have reportedly published a list comprising 244 doctors who are missing from duty, and notices have been issued requiring these professionals to justify their absence, failing which stern actions, including dismissals, will be taken against them. This long-standing issue of medical practitioners vanishing from positions yet technically retaining roles has hindered new hiring.

Action Against Absentee Medical Staff

In a bid to address the issue, the government initially 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.

"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," said Additional Health Secretary Dr Bijay Mohapatra.

The Odisha Medical Service Association attributes the absenteeism to several factors, including inadequate salaries, sporadic career advancements, and poor working conditions in rural postings. Consequently, many doctors are migrating to private medical institutions where there is better remuneration and improved work environments.

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"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," said Odisha Medical Service Association President Dr Kishore Chandra Mishra.

Future Plans to Address Vacancies

While the Health Department proceeds with updating the list of missing doctors, potential disciplinary actions loom, including termination from service. Furthermore, the state government is making arrangements and has directed OPSC to recruit 5,248 new doctors, anticipating vacancies that might soon arise.