Haryana crackdown on docs

Hospital director Dr Dubey said that a dismissal letter has been issued to Dr Rohit Sharma, associate professor, Pathology Department, under Section 7 of the Civil Services conduct Rules. He said FIRs will be lodged under Section 168 of CPC.

Dr Rohit Sharma has been absent from duty since May 1, 1997. The Government rejected his application fro extra-ordinary leave but he failed to join duty. A chargesheet was sent on May 15, 1998. But Dr Sharma still did not join duty.

Those against whom FIRs will be lodged include Dr Pankaj abrol associate professor of Paediatrics, Dr N K Magguassociate professor of Orthopaedics, Dr S P Yadav reader, Urology Department, R K Mittal reader, Dental College, Anita Sharma reader, Radiology Department and Vinod Kumar associate professor, Radiology department.

Some of the doctors who remained absent from duty had procured jobs in Europe or Africa wihtout seeking approval from the government. They concealed this fact from the authorities while applying for long leave. Other doctors joined hospitals set up by multinationals. Dr Pankaj Abrol, associate professor of Paediatrics, was absent from duty since March 26, 1998. It was learnt that he had gone on an unauthorised foreign assignment. The governement chargesheeted him on September 3, 1998. The chargesheet was sent through Minister of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on January 14, 1999.

Meanwhile, he reportedly came on leave to India. According to sources, he had expressed his desire to join duty. His joining report was sent to the government as he was absent for a long period.

Dr VinodKumar Sharma, associate professor, Radiology Department, has been absent from duty since June 30, 1996. He joined duty on July 1, 1998. He was chargesheeted for remaining absent from duty from June 30, 1996 to June 30, 1998. The Haryana Government was intimated vide letter 8771 dated September 11, 1998.

Dr Dubey said that the chargesheets were served to the doctors at the addresses available at the institute. Some of the doctors had, however, not furnished complete addresses. Efforts are being made to deliver the chargesheets to the Indian embassy.

Besides these absentee doctors, at least 11 senior doctors had resigned because of lack of facilities and congenial atmosphere among faculty members. the chief secretary to the Haryana Government had summoned all records to initiate action against the absentee doctors in March. The government had received reports that patient care was suffering as the posts of the absentee doctors could not be filled.

Meanwhile, the government action against the men in whitehas drawn widespread protest from the general public as they feel that such a move will put them at the mercy of private doctors and nursing homes which charge heavily for simple treatment. 8220;In fact, it is the doctors who will benefit from the action as they have nothing to lose,8221; many feel.