THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health department has issued termination orders for the removal of 432 employees, including 385 doctors, for unauthorised absence from duty.
Health minister KK Shailaja said the department employees who were in the rolls were removed from service following their refusal to report back on duty after unauthorised absence that lasted for years. "The government was forced to act tough and remove this many doctors and para medical staff as the department can’t run the system effectively with so many absentees. Those removed are the ones who refused to report back on duty after several reminders. We need the service of doctors and paramedical staff as never before in the wake of the pandemic. Instructions have been given to authorities concerned to identify more such regular absentees and take action against them," health minister KK Shailaja said here on Saturday.
Among the 385 doctors removed from service include probationers and confirmed medical officers. Apart from the doctors, 20 nurses have also been removed from service for unauthorised leave. Others who were removed from the rolls include health inspectors, pharmacists, filarial inspectors, nursing assistants, dental hygienists, lab technicians, radiographers, optometrists, hospital attendants, record librarians, PHN tutor and clerks.
The government has issued several circulars and public notice asking the unauthorised absentees to report back on duty. However, only a few have responded to such calls. "The unauthorised absentees not only pose difficulties to the health service system, but also deny opportunities for candidates eligible for the posts," minister said.