The Rajasthan health department has initiated action against 697 government doctors who are officially recorded as serving the state but have been absent for years, with some missing for over two decades. The list includes specialists in gynaecology, paediatrics, radiology, surgery, and general medical officers, highlighting a critical staffing shortage in government hospitals where patients are deprived of essential care.
Systemic Staffing Crisis
On paper, these doctors still occupy sanctioned posts, which prevents the system from initiating fresh recruitment. Consequently, hospitals appear staffed in official records while wards lack critical expertise. The department has now moved to terminate doctors who were previously served notices for voluntary absence but failed to respond.
Dr Ravi Prakash Sharma, Director of Public Health, stated, “The process of cancelling their appointment has started. We are taking details about these doctors from the officers of districts where they are posted.” He noted that the doctors have not been paid salaries during their absence, yet they remain government employees in official records.
Reasons for Absence
According to the health department, the missing doctors may have joined private hospitals, started their own clinics, or pursued higher studies abroad. Records reveal extreme cases: in Udaipur, a senior gynaecology specialist has been absent since August 2013, and a paediatrician has been missing since July 2004—nearly 22 years—after being transferred. In Ajmer’s JLN Hospital, a surgery specialist has been absent since February 21, 2007, the same date he received a transfer order.
Disciplinary Action
Officials report that many doctors stopped reporting from the date of transfer, while awaiting orders, or after completing postgraduate studies in government institutions. The department considers such prolonged absence as defiance of official orders and negligence of duty. The health department has sent the list to chief medical and health officers (CMHOs) across districts, seeking reports on actions taken and each doctor’s current status.
CMHOs have been directed to prepare separate disciplinary action proposals under CCA rules within five days for doctors who have been voluntarily absent for more than one year. If any doctor is willing to report back, officials must send proposals with clear recommendations. For absences exceeding one year, district authorities are to issue notices, complete service proceedings, and forward disciplinary proposals.
Recovery Proceedings
The department has also ordered recovery proceedings against government doctors who completed postgraduate courses under the in-service quota but went absent before fulfilling the mandatory state service required under their bond. This move aims to hold doctors accountable and address the severe staffing crisis affecting public health services in Rajasthan.
