Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Feb 1: The recent sacking of doctors will hit the healthcare system in the state, especially as there are only 3,000-odd doctors against the sanctioned strength of 4,236 doctors in hospitals across the state.
Several doctors were reported to be dismissed for various reasons, including negligence of duty, not reporting at places of posting, long periods of absence. However, health and family welfare department commissioner-cum-secretary Arti Ahuja clarified that this is a routine process and the doctors have been sacked at different points of time and not all at once.
The doctors have continuously neglected their duty and have not reported for work even after being served show-cause notices several times, Ahuja told Orissa POST. “Even after getting repeated warnings and notices, the errant doctors have been continuously neglecting their duty and have been dismissed from their respective posts. Doctors posted in far-off hamlets of the state have been particularly errant,,” said Ahuja.
“It is not an issue of a day. The doctors have been sacked on different occasions over several years,” said the secretary. However, a senior doctor at Capital Hospital in the city has defended the dismissed doctors and said the state government should ensure that at least the basic facilities are provided to the doctors, especially those posted in the tribal areas of the state.
“It is true that the state government is providing more remuneration to doctors posted in those areas than those in urban areas. However, if I do not get basic amenities how will I survive there? The government should look into the matter,” said the doctor.