Unauthorised Absence: Kerala Govt to terminate1,194 Doctors, 252 Nurses

Thiruvananthapuram: In a stringent administrative action against unauthorised absence from duty, nearly 1,194 doctors, 252 nurses and over 300 other staff members are going to be terminated shortly with many having already issued notices by the state government for their alleged failure to report to their assigned duties.

As per Onmanrama news report, a total of 2,000 government employees from various state hospitals have come under government scrutiny for taking leave without prior notice at a time when the shortage of medical staff in the state is on the rise.

The state health department has already begun taking action as part of the dismissal process by issuing notices to the medical staff before terminating them. Among those who received the notices, 72 employees have already expressed their willingness to return to work.

Among the 2,000 employees listed for dismissal, 859 doctors are from various healthcare facilities ranging from primary health centres to district and general hospitals under the Directorate of Health's (DHS) control. The move also includes 252 nurses in these hospitals. In addition, more than 300 employees, including lab technicians, health inspectors and radiographers, have also been included in the dismissal list.

The Directorate of Medical Education (DME), which oversees recruitment for medical colleges, is taking action against 335 doctors. Of these, 251 have been issued notices. There are a total of 6000 doctors under DHS and a total of 2500 doctors in DME. Among the absentees, 412 doctors under the DHS are found to have absconded before completing their probation period, reports Onmanorama.

Although notices have been given before the dismissal, many are not receiving them. In this situation, it is reported that the notices will be delivered to the house.

This comes after Health Minister Veena George ordered assess the availability of doctors, nurses and other staff at government hospitals after a shortage of doctors and employees was identified. During this, the shocking number of absent doctors came to light.