Notices have been issued to these doctors, giving them 15 days to provide an explanation or face disciplinary action, including potential dismissal.
The Bihar state health department has taken a strict stance against government doctors who have been absent from their duties without authorization for an extended period of time. Officials revealed that notices have been issued to more than 60 doctors across the state, emphasizing their absence ranging from a year to as long as five to six years.
To address this matter, the department uploaded a notice on its website, listing the names of the doctors from various health centers and hospitals who have been absent without proper permission. The doctors on the list have been given 15 days to submit an explanation for their prolonged unauthorized absence or face disciplinary action.
A senior official from the department explained that if no response is received within the stipulated time, it will be deemed that the doctors have no valid explanation to offer. In such cases, the department holds the power to initiate disciplinary measures, which may include dismissal, in accordance with the government servant conduct rules.
The issue of unauthorized absenteeism among these doctors has been persistent, with some doctors not fulfilling their duties for five to six years. The department had previously sought explanations from them, but no replies were received. The doctors who have now been served the notices include those working at community health centers as well as district hospitals.
Notably, the capital city of Patna holds the highest number of doctors on the list, with 14 individuals facing notices for their long-term unauthorized absence. Furthermore, doctors posted at health centers and hospitals in Buxar, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Jamui, Kaimur, and other districts have also received notices.
This recent action follows the Bihar government's dismissal of 64 doctors in January for their unauthorized absence from duties for more than five years. The decision to terminate their services was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The concerned doctors were given multiple opportunities to provide a valid reason for their absence, but they failed to submit any replies, as confirmed by officials.
(With PTI Inputs)