Odisha Doctors Absent from Duty: CM Orders Action Against 128 Medical Officers

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Departmental proceedings will be initiated against 128 doctors absent for over five years.
One medical officer has already been dismissed after remaining absent since 2012.
The government says patient care cannot suffer despite major healthcare investments.

BHUBANESWAR: The issue of Odisha Doctors Absent from Duty has triggered a major administrative crackdown, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directing strict disciplinary action against 128 Medical Officers and Dental Surgeons who have reportedly remained away from work for more than five years. The move comes as the state seeks to improve healthcare delivery and ensure accountability in public hospitals.

Officials said repeated public notices and reminders failed to bring many of the doctors back to service. As a result, the Health Department has been instructed to begin departmental proceedings against all identified absentee personnel.

Odisha Doctors Absent from Duty: Why the Government Took Action

The state government had earlier issued notices through newspapers, asking the absent doctors to explain their prolonged absence and resume their duties. However, many allegedly failed to respond or provide satisfactory explanations.

A notable case involved Dr Bichakhyana Panigrahy, a former Medical Officer at Kandhamal Police Hospital. According to officials, she remained absent without authorization since 2012. Despite receiving multiple show-cause notices over several years, she neither reported for duty nor justified her absence, leading to her removal from government service.

The government believes prolonged absenteeism weakens healthcare delivery, particularly in areas where patients depend heavily on public medical facilities.

How This Decision Could Impact Odisha’s Healthcare System

The action reflects a broader effort to strengthen accountability as Odisha expands its healthcare infrastructure. The state has been investing in new hospitals, upgraded medical facilities, and additional medical colleges to improve access to treatment.

The second-order effect of this crackdown could be better workforce management and improved patient services across government hospitals. Officials expect the move to send a strong message that public sector healthcare positions carry responsibilities that cannot be ignored.

Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that while the government continues to invest heavily in healthcare, it cannot allow patients to suffer because appointed doctors fail to report for duty. He stated that ensuring uninterrupted medical services remains a priority for the administration.

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