Suspension of Medical Officer in Gobara Community Health Centre

Details of the Suspension

A medical officer at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Gobara has been suspended due to allegations of absenteeism and being discovered in a state of intoxication while sleeping in his quarters last month. The Ganjam district administration took this decisive action after determining the medical officer’s negligence in fulfilling his duties. An inquiry is anticipated to further investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Official Response and Investigation

In the meantime, the suspended doctor has been reassigned to the district health office in Berhampur. This suspension follows a visit by Sorada MLA Nilamani Bisoyi to the CHC in November, where he observed a health worker performing the medical officer’s responsibilities. Upon inquiry, the MLA discovered that Dr. *** was absent from duty and allegedly found asleep in his quarters.

Following this revelation, the MLA raised concerns with the Health Minister, the Ganjam Collector, and the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), urging for strict action against the doctor for his absence during working hours. In response, CDMO Dr. Sushant Nayak instructed Bhanjanagar Sub-Divisional Medical Officer Dr. Sitanshu Sekhar Satpathy to conduct an inquiry into the matter. Based on the findings from this inquiry, the CDMO proceeded with the suspension and designated the doctor’s new headquarters at the district health office in Berhampur.

Reactions to the Incident

In a statement to TNIE, MLA Bisoyi expressed his discontent, stating, “Such conduct from a highly paid doctor was unacceptable. We would ensure the appointment of another doctor at the CHC.”

Wider Context of Absenteeism in Odisha Health Department

This incident is part of a broader issue within the Odisha Health Department, which had previously issued show-cause notices to 244 government doctors for prolonged absence from duty. These doctors, assigned to various government hospitals and health centres, have reportedly failed to attend work for months or even years without official leave. Initially, the government identified 33 doctors who have been absent since 2010, providing them with a 15-day notice for explanation. Subsequent investigations revealed an additional 211 doctors with extended absences.