MANGALAGIRI, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 (JOURNALIST FILE): Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav has directed officials to take strict action against government doctors and other employees who remain absent from duty for prolonged periods and to accelerate the processing and disposal of files in the Health and Medical Department.
The minister issued the directions during a review meeting with heads of departments and senior officials of the Medical and Health Department at the APIIC building in Mangalagiri on Monday. The meeting continued for more than three hours and covered file disposal, unauthorised absence of medical personnel and administrative reforms.
Only 40 per cent of 4,410 files disposed of
The review revealed that 4,410 representations and issues received from public representatives, employees and members of the public had been forwarded to various sections of the Health Department for examination and disposal since the coalition government came to power in June 2024.
A significant number of the matters reportedly related to transfers. Officials informed the minister that only about 40 per cent of the files had been disposed of so far.
Officials attributed part of the delay to a shortage of staff. Responding to the explanation, Satyakumar directed the department to introduce appropriate administrative reforms and improve the speed of file disposal.
He said resolving representations received from the public and elected representatives promptly was an important responsibility of the government machinery and directed officials to improve performance in line with the government's objectives.
No file to remain pending beyond two days at any level
The minister directed officials to ensure that no file remains pending for more than two days at any level of the department.
He also ordered changes to the existing system so that every file is examined and a decision is taken within a maximum period of 15 days.
Officials responsible for avoidable delays should be asked to provide explanations and, where necessary, face disciplinary action, he directed.
Special dashboard to track file movement
The department has decided to establish a dedicated dashboard covering all 19 divisions to monitor the movement of files.
The dashboard will provide information on the officer with whom a file is pending, the stage of processing and whether it is moving within the prescribed timeframe.
Health Department Secretary G. Veerabhadian explained the proposed monitoring mechanism to the minister. Satyakumar directed officials to put the system into operation at the earliest.
Officials responsible for avoidable delays will be required to explain the reasons for the pendency and could face disciplinary proceedings where warranted, the minister said.
Action against 493 unauthorised absentees
The review also examined prolonged absence from duty by government doctors and other employees. Officials informed the minister that approximately 100 doctors who had remained absent for extended periods had already been permanently removed from service, while disciplinary proceedings had been initiated in several other cases.
The department further reported that 493 doctors were currently absent from duty without authorisation.Satyakumar directed officials to complete appropriate disciplinary proceedings against the doctors concerned within three months.
Restrictions on private medical certificates
The minister also ordered measures to prevent government doctors from using medical certificates issued by private practitioners to justify prolonged absence from duty.He directed officials not to approve leave or medical absence solely on the basis of certificates issued by private doctors.
For medical leave, the required certification should be obtained through government medical authorities, while cases involving serious illness should be referred to a Medical Board for examination and verification before a decision is taken.
The minister said the department should establish clear procedures to prevent misuse of medical leave provisions while ensuring that genuine cases were dealt with according to the applicable rules.
Health Department Secretary G. Veerabhadian, Joint Secretary Ronanki Gopalakrishna, Drug Control Administration Director General Arun Babu, NTR Vaidya Seva Trust CEO Padmavathi, Director of Medical Education Vishnuvardhan and other senior officials attended the meeting.
