Hans News Service Vijayawada

Thestate government has initiated the process of permanently removing 43 civil assistant surgeons from service for prolonged unauthorized absence from duty, health minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav announced on Wednesday.

The minister said disciplinary action was taken after the doctors failed to respond to show-cause notices and charge memos issued under service rules, despite some remaining absent from government service for as long as four years.

The action comes a month after the government removed 51 doctors working in teaching hospitals under the Directorate of Medical Education for similar violations. The latest proceedings involve doctors serving under the Directorate of Secondary Health Services, including specialists in General Medicine, Orthopedics, Gynecology and other disciplines.

According to the health department, a total of 118 permanent doctors were found to be unauthorisedly absent from duty. Under existing government rules, doctors who remain absent without authorization for more than one year are liable for removal from service.

Of the 118 doctors, 43 have now reached the final stage of disciplinary proceedings for dismissal. Another 34 doctors submitted their resignations after receiving show-cause notices and charge memos. The government is in the process of accepting the resignations of 15 doctors, while disciplinary inquiries are continuing against others.

Director of secondary health Chakradhara Babu said 11 inquiry officers have been appointed district-wise under the Andhra Pradesh Civil Services (CCA) Rules, 1991, to examine cases involving 19 doctors who resigned after charges were framed. Explanations will be sought and further action taken based on inquiry reports.