Government Action Against Absent Doctors in Andhra Pradesh
Termination Warning from Health Minister
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav has issued a stern warning to doctors who remain absent from duty for over a year without notifying authorities. He emphasized that such doctors will face termination from government service.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
The minister clarified that strict measures would be enforced against doctors who do not report to work after being appointed or transferred. These individuals will be referred to the Directorate of Medical Education and will undergo disciplinary proceedings, contingent upon their explanations for the absence.
Attendance Improvement Not Sufficient
Minister Yadav noted a significant improvement in attendance among doctors and healthcare staff, which has risen by 8 percent over the last 19 months. However, he pointed out that attendance metrics alone do not adequately represent the quality of healthcare services provided.
Previous Government Issues
The minister further criticized the prior YSRC government, alleging that numerous doctors were unofficially absent from duty for periods ranging from two to four years, which had detrimental effects on healthcare delivery in the state.
Review Meeting Insights
During a review meeting with medical superintendents, government medical college principals, and officials from NTR University of Health Sciences, Minister Yadav reiterated the new policy. “Those who remain absent for more than a year will have their services terminated. Doctors failing to report for duty after appointments or transfers will be referred to the Directorate of Medical Education,” he stated, as reported by Deccan Chronicle.
Call for Improved Patient Care
The minister urged doctors to provide quality medical care so that patients can heal and return home with smiles.
Patient Satisfaction Ratings
Referring to a public opinion survey conducted in December 2025 regarding healthcare services, the minister revealed that 60 to 70 percent of patients expressed satisfaction. He encouraged medical superintendents to address remaining deficiencies in service delivery.
Monitoring System for Hospitals
Health Secretary Saurabh Gaur announced plans for a real-time monitoring system to oversee the operations of government hospitals and the performance of doctors. In a report on outpatient services from December, hospitals in Visakhapatnam, Anantapur, and Vijayawada achieved the top three positions, exceeding patient treatment targets by over 100 percent.