Odia Govt Cracks Down on Long-Term Absent Medical Staff

Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against 128 medical officers and dental surgeons in Odisha who have been absent from their government duties for more than five years. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has mandated the health department to take decisive action following unsuccessful attempts to locate the doctors or persuade them to return to work.

Notices were issued, and advertisements were placed in newspapers to find the absent doctors, but many did not respond. Officials believe this action is necessary to formally dismiss these individuals and begin recruiting new healthcare professionals to fill the vacant posts.

The Chief Minister emphasized the state's commitment to strengthening its healthcare system and stated that doctors appointed to government institutions have a duty towards patients. He declared that prolonged absenteeism without proper justification would not be tolerated.

Health department special secretary Dr. Bijaya Kumar Mohapatra confirmed that extensive efforts were made to inform the doctors of the consequences of their absence. He noted that once dismissed, new staff will be recruited to ensure public access to health services.

In a related incident, Dr. Bichakshana Panigrahi, formerly with Kandhamal Police Hospital, was dismissed for unauthorized absence since 2012. She also failed to respond to communications regarding her absence.