State may invoke ESMA

DECEMBER 1: The state government is considering expelling resident doctors from their colleges and even invoking the Essential Services Maintenance Act ESMA against them if they do not report for duty by Thursday morning.

8220;If, despite the ultimatum, they do not resume duty, we will deal with them firmly. The doctors should accept the Health Minister8217;s reasonable offer,8221; a senior official said, adding the Medical Education and Drugs Department has already been asked to initiate proceedings for expulsion of resident doctors from their colleges.

8220;Under rule 10.3.8, a resident doctor who remains absent without permission or takes part in any strike or for similar reasons, shall be expelled from the college after due notice. No appeal shall be entertained against such an order either by the Director of Medical Education and Research or the state government,8221; the official said.