AMARAVATI, October 2, 2026 (JOURNALIST FILE) : Andhra Pradesh has dismissed 70 government doctors for remaining absent from duty without authorization for more than a year, marking a major disciplinary action aimed at addressing prolonged absenteeism in the state’s public health system.
The Directorate of Secondary Health (DSH) initiated the dismissals after following the prescribed departmental procedure, including issuing show-cause notices and considering the doctors’ responses. Officials said the action was taken under Rule 20 of the Andhra Pradesh Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1991.
DSH Director Chakradhar Babu said the dismissed doctors were serving as Civil Assistant Surgeons and included specialists in gynecology, ENT, general medicine and other medical disciplines.
154 more cases under process
The department has identified another 154 doctors under the DSH who have remained away from duty without authorization. Show-cause notices have been issued and disciplinary proceedings are at various stages.
Officials said doctors who come forward after receiving notices and agree to resume duty may be considered for rejoining, subject to disciplinary measures prescribed under service rules. In an earlier phase of the process, 78 doctors returned to duty after departmental action was initiated.
DME gives final chance to 39 doctors
The Directorate of Medical Education has given a final opportunity to 39 doctors who have remained absent without sanctioned leave for periods ranging from more than one year to less than two years.
DME Director Dr. Vishnuvardhan said the doctors had already received show-cause notices but had neither submitted explanations nor reported for duty. The department will provide them a final opportunity before proceeding with further action, including dismissal if they fail to respond.
Among the 39 doctors are five professors, four associate professors and 30 assistant professors.
The DME had already dismissed 51 doctors in May over prolonged unauthorized absence, officials said.
493 cases identified across health departments
A comprehensive review by the Health and Family Welfare Department has identified 493 doctors and other employees who were found to be absent from duty without authorization across various heads of departments.
Besides the DSH and DME, cases have been identified in the National Health Mission, Health and Family Welfare Department, AYUSH, Drug Control Administration and Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences.
Officials said the reasons cited in some cases included dissatisfaction with postings, private practice and health or family-related issues. The department is examining each case under the applicable service and disciplinary rules.
Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav has instructed department heads not to delay action in cases of prolonged unauthorized absence. He has directed officials to complete the disciplinary process within three months, wherever the prescribed conditions for action are met.
The government has also asked departments to fill vacancies arising from such disciplinary action according to their staffing requirements under the Zero Vacancy Policy, officials said.
.jpeg)
