Hyderabad: Facing a
shortage of teaching staff in government-run medical colleges and hospitals,
the Telangana health department has decided to give another opportunity to 94
government doctors who were earlier served show-cause notices for prolonged unauthorised absence.
Initially, 115 doctors
were issued notices. Of them, 21 doctors submitted responses in favour of
resuming duties. Officials confirmed that 20 of these doctors have already
rejoined service, while one doctor, currently pursuing an MCh in Urology, will
report back after completing the course.Also Read:Hyderabad hospital booked for alleged negligence after dialysis patient diesPreviously, Medical
Dialogues reported that, taking strict action over prolonged unauthorised
absence, the Telangana Director of Medical Education (DME) has issued show-cause notices to 115 doctors working in government medical colleges and
attached hospitals across the State. DME A. Narendra Kumar stated that
notices were served to doctors who had remained absent from duty without any
prior approval for varying durations.
According to officials,
the doctors had remained absent at different intervals
between 2013 and 2024. In six cases, the doctors did not assume charge even
after receiving their appointments. Those served notices included assistant and
associate professors from departments such as obstetrics and gynaecology,
general medicine, general surgery, anaesthesiology, paediatrics, and radiology,
reports the Times of India.
“The notices were issued
to doctors who were absent from duty without authorisation for varying periods.
A review meeting was held to assess their responses and willingness to continue
working. The remaining 94 doctors did not attend the meeting or respond
within the stipulated time. However, the department decided to give them
another opportunity, noting that some may have been unable to attend due to
being posted outside their place of duty,” said a senior official from the
DME office.Also Read:Bihar govt doctors oppose private practice ban, demand non-practice allowanceAccording to The Daily, a
senior govt doctor stated that many of the doctors are not getting enough
motivation to join the duty or continue their service due to poor pay structure
and questionable working conditions. “Recruitment was done on UGC norms,
but salaries are close to basic pay, with no transport allowance, non-practice
allowance, or proper HRA. There is also no pay difference for super-speciality
professors. Other states offer better allowances, and infrastructure and health
coverage for doctors remain inadequate. With high inflation and heavy
workload due to vacancies, it is becoming difficult to attract and retain
faculty,” the doctor added.