Andhra Govt Dismisses 51 Teaching Hospital Doctors Over 'Unauthorised Absence’

In a decisive move to enforce discipline in the public healthcare system, the Andhra Pradesh government has dismissed 51 doctors from teaching hospitals for prolonged unauthorized absence. The orders were issued by Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav .

The action follows findings that these doctors had remained absent for extended periods, some for years, without approval. Authorities revealed that several were engaged in private practice or living abroad while retaining their government posts.

Those dismissed include 8 associate professors , 41 assistant professors , and 2 tutors . Investigations confirmed violations of the Andhra Pradesh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 . Despite being served notices earlier, none of the doctors responded, leading to their removal from service.

The inquiry uncovered striking cases of long-term absence. A tutor had reportedly not attended duty for nearly 7 years . At Andhra Medical College, one associate professor has been absent since February 2020 , while an assistant professor has not reported since August 2022 . Officials noted that such practices deprived eligible doctors of opportunities and affected patient care.

The affected doctors were drawn from government medical colleges across cities including Visakhapatnam , Vijayawada , Tirupati , Kakinada , Nellore , Kadapa , and Anantapur . The decision was based on reports from district authorities and college administrations.

Further action is likely, with additional cases under review. Officials warned that doctors who continue to remain absent beyond permissible limits will also face dismissal.

The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening public healthcare and announced that vacancies created through these dismissals will be filled through fresh recruitment, ensuring better medical services in government hospitals.