Chennai
The Tamil Nadu Health Department has said disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against 680 government doctors who pursued postgraduate studies under the service quota but did not report for duty without prior intimation.
Government doctors working in primary health centres are allowed to study in government medical colleges under the service quota. As per the conditions, those who avail the quota are required to serve in government medical colleges until retirement. If they do not comply, disciplinary action can be taken and a bond amount of Rs 40 lakh, along with interest, is to be recovered.
The department’s clarification followed a complaint by members of the Arappor Iyakkam, who urged action against doctors who went on leave without notice. In its statement, the department said several such doctors had stayed away from duty on their own and moved to work in private hospitals.
Officials said the doctors are being instructed to rejoin duty. If they continue to remain absent, action under ‘17(b)’ disciplinary provisions may be initiated, including steps such as dismissal, and recovery of the bond amount with interest.
According to the department, 1,420 doctors have so far remained absent without notice. Of them, disciplinary action has been initiated against 680, while 740 are under disciplinary proceedings. The department said legal action would be taken against those who violate the rules.
