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In a concerning disclosure, seven doctors of the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Odisha's Berhampur have been said to have been on leave since 2016. What more could be concerning? They have still been getting their salaries all these years, without any formal leave applications, any communication, or any clarification on their present whereabouts.
Hospital officials verify that their names remain listed in the system as active employees, despite not having reported to work for nearly a decade. With Odisha already experiencing a critical shortage of government doctors, the revelation has caused outrage and suspicion among the public and health authorities.
Several warnings, no response
Dr. Suchitra Das, Dean and Medical Superintendent of MKCG, explained that the authorities had tried various times to contact the missing doctors, including formal letters. All of these, however, drew no response. With no other option left, the case has now been passed on to the Odisha state government for follow-up action.
Police intervention amidst public protests
In the face of increasing pressure, the hospital administration has lodged a police complaint to locate the doctors and bring them to book. The intention is either to recover the salary payment or initiate legal proceedings.
Local BJP chief and Ganjam vice-president Rampatra assessed the situation and referred to it as a "serious matter", particularly when the hospital is already understaffed.
There is a shortage of doctors at the MKCG to treat patients or teach medical college students. It is a matter of grave concern, and since hospital authorities have no clue about their whereabouts, the only option we had was to lodge a police complaint
Ram Patra, Ganjam BJP vice-president
MLA vows disciplinary action.
Berhampur MLA Anil Kumar, who is also a member of the hospital's Rogi Kalyan Samiti (patients' welfare committee), has assured stern action.
“Since the new government came to power, I have come to know that a total of seven doctors have been untraceable but are drawing salaries. I will ensure that disciplinary proceedings are taken against them,” he said.
Wider crisis in Odisha's public health system
This is not a one-off case. As per an RTI submitted by social activist Pradeep Pradhan, more than 2,000 government doctors in Odisha are on the payroll but absent from duty. Most of them are suspected to be engaged in private practice while receiving government pay.
“This is blatant misuse of public money. Strict audits and monitoring are needed,” Pradhan stated. He has called on the government to conduct rigorous audits and enhance monitoring mechanisms to ensure that such gaps are plugged.
What's next?
There has been no news so far on the missing doctors' whereabouts. With a full-fledged probe, public pressure is mounting for accountability and transparency, not only at MKCG but across Odisha's entire healthcare system.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)
