Telangana: 94 doctors served show-cause notices get another chance to rejoin duty

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.

Previously, 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.

According 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.