Ten Udaipur government doctors missing from duty for up to 20 years face dismissal after failing to respond to official notices.
Ten government doctors in Udaipur, Rajasthan, are facing dismissal after being absent from their posts without authorisation for years — in some cases for over two decades — leaving patients without specialist care and exposing a significant lapse in public health administration.
The Medical and Health Department issued show-cause notices to the errant physicians approximately six weeks ago, but most have neither responded satisfactorily nor returned to service. Authorities are now moving to terminate their appointments and initiate formal disciplinary proceedings.
Ghost Posts on Paper
Investigations revealed that the positions held by these doctors were shown as filled in official records, whilst the individuals themselves had not set foot in their workplaces for years.
A paediatrician posted at Pannadhay Government Women's Hospital has reportedly been absent since 2004.
Two doctors at MB Hospital in Udaipur have not returned to duty since 2012 and 2013 respectively. Further cases have emerged at rural health facilities in Kherwara, Bekaria, Bavlawada, and several other centres.
Health department officials say patients requiring specialist consultations were left to seek care elsewhere due to the physical absence of doctors who, on paper, were occupying those posts.
Notices Issued, No Response Received
The Directorate of Medical and Health Services compiled a list of long-absent doctors around six weeks ago and sought reports from concerned officers before issuing formal notices. However, in the majority of cases, the doctors neither provided an adequate explanation nor resumed duty. The department has now entered the final stage of the termination process.
Government-Funded Postgraduate Studies, Then Desertion
Particularly troubling is that several doctors on the list completed their postgraduate medical education under a government-sponsored in-service quota, benefiting from public funding and facilities. After finishing their studies, they were contractually obliged to serve for a stipulated period — an obligation they appear to have ignored entirely. The department is now also preparing to recover bond amounts from these individuals.
Official Statement
Dr Ashok Aditya, Chief Medical and Health Officer, Udaipur, said:The cases of long-absent doctors have been taken very seriously. All matters are being reviewed in accordance with Directorate guidelines, and disciplinary action is being taken in accordance with the rules. Proposals for termination of service and other necessary action are being sent against those who have not provided satisfactory replies despite receiving notices.