Odisha govt warns to take strict action against absentee doctors

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has issued an official notification directing 108 doctors, who are on unauthorised leave from their place of duty, to submit replies within one month or face legal action.

The State government has so far issued notices to the said 108 doctors several times directing them to join duty at their respective appointed places but they never responded and are yet to join duty even though their appointments were made 3-5 years ago, said Health Minister Pratap Jena.

"We issued notices to these doctors but they remained incommunicado; rather they are vehemently flouting the orders. So, this is the final notice. If they fail to submit replies within the prescribed time, strict legal action will be taken against them," said the minister.

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Besides, the doctors have been sent e-mails and asked to submit replies to the same e-mail address.

The decision of the government came against the backdrop of allegations of doctors remaining absent from the place of duty and indulging in private practice.

Meanwhile, it is alleged that the doctors posted in the peripheral health centres, especially in remote tribal areas, are remaining absent as they don't want to serve in such locations.

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