The Rajasthan health department on Saturday issued a directive to 678 government doctors who have been absent from duty without authorization for extended periods, ordering them to personally appear before the directorate by May 5 or face disciplinary action. A senior official confirmed that the department published a revised list of long-absent doctors on May 1.
Deadline for Objections
Any doctor named in the list who wishes to submit an objection or representation regarding rejoining duty must appear in person before the health director and file it within the stipulated deadline. Earlier, the department had listed 697 doctors, of whom 19 have since reported for duty.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
The department has warned that if no objection or representation is submitted by May 5, termination proceedings will be initiated under Rule 86(4) of the Rajasthan Service Rules, 1951, and Rule 29 of the Rajasthan Service Rules, 1963. Additionally, recovery proceedings under the Public Demands Recovery Act will be launched against doctors who completed postgraduate studies under the in-service quota and submitted service bonds. Action will also be taken to cancel their registration with the Rajasthan Medical Council, effectively barring them from medical practice within the state. The department emphasized that the doctors themselves will bear responsibility for the consequences.
Reasons for Absence
Officials stated that these doctors were voluntarily absent for long periods without notice or approval from the competent authority, following transfers, postings while awaiting orders, or after completing postgraduate courses. Such conduct, the department noted, constitutes a violation of service rules, defiance of superior officers’ directives, and gross negligence of official duty.
Systemic Staffing Issues
The action has exposed a deeper staffing problem within Rajasthan’s government health system. Although these doctors continue to be recorded as serving employees, many have been missing for years—some for more than two decades. The list includes specialists in gynaecology, paediatrics, radiology, and surgery, as well as general medical officers. Because they still occupy sanctioned posts on paper, the government has been unable to initiate fresh recruitment for those positions. Consequently, hospitals appear adequately staffed in records, while patients face shortages of specialists and long waiting times for treatment.
