The Andhra Pradesh Government has cracked its whip at government surgeons who have reportedly been absent for prolonged periods and are known to work in clinics during working hours.
The Department of Health, Medical and Family Welfare has sought explanation from them within 15 days on “charges of misconduct or misbehaviour”. Notice has been served on 39 Civil Surgeon Specialists, three Civil Surgeons (Resident Medical Officers) and one Medical Superintendent. The notice signed by Medical and Health Principal Secretary Poonam Malakondaiah said the department had proposed to hold an enquiry against the government doctors under the Andhra Pradesh Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1991.
The soft copy of the notice, which was common for all 43 recipients, was posted in the Government of Andhra Pradesh e-G.O. registry late on Tuesday. The hard copy of the notice and annexes containing charges against individuals would be posted.
The notice said that if the civil surgeons did not submit a written statement in their defence before the specified period of 15 days, further action would be initiated based on “material available”.
There was provision for the doctors to be on leave for up to four years (by extending leave every six months) and still continue in service after payment of penalty and loss of pay. Earlier, the Government turned a Nelson’s eye to prolonged absenteeism, but after the State bifurcation the Government seems to be taking a tough stand.
Several doctors took advantage of the provision and worked in West Asia on annual contracts and returned to rejoin service without anyone raising objection.
Some working abroad
Indian Medical Association, AP chapter office-bearer K. Appa Rao said that the list of doctors who were served with the notice did not contain names of anyone working abroad. Doctors usually lived in the same place because they had very good private practice in rural areas. Government doctors were permitted to practice privately, but not during working hours, he said.
Tanuku Area Hospital Civil Surgeon Specialist M. Veera Swamy wondered why his name had been included. The hard copy of the notice had not reached him yet. Minister for Health Kamineni Srinivas last month warned doctors against violating service rules, including indulging in private practice during working hours.
Absenteeism main concern; doctors given 15 days to reply to charges of misconduct
