Four govt doctors sacked for extended unauthorised absence

The state government has terminated the services of four doctors for remaining absent from duty for an extended period without authorisation. While one of them was posted at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), Shimla, the other three were serving at the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialty (AIMSS), Chamiyana. The termination orders were issued by Health Secretary Sudha Devi.

Those dismissed include Dr Vikas Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of CTVS; Dr Kunal Mahajan, Assistant Professor, Department of Cardiology; and Dr Tushar Patial, Assistant Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, all from AIMSS-Chamiyana, along with Dr Naveen Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, IGMC.

According to the orders, the doctors remained absent for long durations and either failed to respond or submitted unsatisfactory replies to show-cause notices issued to them. Dr Vikas Kumar had been absent for over three years and reportedly joined AIIMS-Bilaspur as an Associate Professor without following the proper resignation process. Dr Mahajan has been absent for over four years, while Dr Patial has remained unavailable for more than a year and did not respond to the notice served to him. Dr Naveen Kumar has been absent since August 2, 2022, and joined AIIMS-Bathinda.