In a decisive move, the Uttarakhand government is set to terminate the employment of 118 doctors who have been absent from their duties for extended periods without providing any explanation. The state's health department identified these absentee doctors across all 13 districts, many of whom have been away for years, in some cases as long as six years. The terminations aim not only to address the absence issue but also to create vacancies for new, dedicated doctors who can better serve the public, according to health department sources.

“These doctors are not only stationed in remote areas but also in urban centers in the plains. They haven’t reported to work for not just a few weeks or months, but in some cases, for several years. Previous warnings were issued to these doctors, and a final notice was recently given, providing them with 14 days to either resume duties or provide a valid explanation for their prolonged absence,” explained Dr. Anil Mohan Johri, the joint director of the health department. He noted that only reasons of the highest validity would be acceptable for such prolonged absenteeism.

According to Johri, the decision to terminate these doctors sends a strong message to other medical professionals who may be considering unauthorized leave. He emphasized that this action will not only restore accountability within the department but will also allow for the recruitment of young doctors, addressing the significant shortage of medical personnel in many areas. By filling these vacancies, the health department hopes to enhance the quality of healthcare available to the people of Uttarakhand.

State Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat confirmed that efforts to recruit new doctors will begin as soon as the terminations are complete. He mentioned that the health department has already submitted a proposal for 276 new positions to the health service selection board to ensure an adequate number of medical professionals are available in the state. Rawat also indicated that the termination process is expected to be concluded within the next two weeks.

Departmental sources have suggested that a major reason for the high rate of absenteeism is that many of these doctors, once promoted to senior roles, have opted to open private practices instead of fulfilling their duties in government hospitals. The opportunity to work in private practice has reportedly drawn numerous doctors away from the public healthcare system, where they may perceive the working conditions to be more challenging or the financial rewards to be less attractive.

In light of these developments, the health department is optimistic that recruiting young doctors will improve the situation, as newly appointed physicians may bring a higher level of commitment to serving the community. The department aims to fill all vacant positions with qualified professionals as soon as possible, which could help alleviate the strain on healthcare services across the state.

This action by the Uttarakhand government underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in public healthcare. The government’s message is clear: medical professionals cannot neglect their duties without consequence. By ensuring that those who fail to fulfill their responsibilities are held accountable, the health department aims to maintain a reliable healthcare system that can effectively meet the needs of Uttarakhand’s population.

The termination of these doctors highlights the broader issue of absenteeism in the healthcare sector, which affects patient care and strains the resources of those who remain committed to their roles. Moving forward, Uttarakhand’s health department plans to strengthen its oversight and ensure that future hires are committed to their responsibilities, reinforcing the state’s commitment to a robust public healthcare system.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)