Recently, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi took a strict stand against government doctor absenteeism. Consequently, the state government dismissed a medical officer who had remained unauthorisedly absent since 2012.

The Cost of Government Doctor Absenteeism

Unauthorised absence from duty severely impacts public healthcare delivery across the state. Therefore, the Health Department will initiate disciplinary proceedings against 128 other doctors and dental surgeons. These medical officers allegedly remained absent from work for five years or more. Furthermore, officials identified the dismissed doctor as Bichakshyana Panigrahi, who served at the Kandhamal Police Hospital. Despite receiving repeated notifications to resume duties, Panigrahi did not comply. As a result, the government terminated his services due to continued neglect of patient care.

Addressing Healthcare Infrastructure and Vacancies

Currently, Odisha faces a significant shortage of medical professionals in public institutions. For instance, more than 4,000 doctor posts remain vacant across the state. According to official data from March 2026, only 11,186 doctors serve against a sanctioned strength of 15,793 positions. However, the state government prioritizes strengthening healthcare infrastructure through new hospitals and expanded medical education. Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that doctors must fulfill their duties after receiving government appointments, which is a core expectation for those engaged in professional medical practice. Consequently, the administration will not tolerate prolonged negligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why did the Odisha government dismiss the medical officer?

The government dismissed Dr. Bichakshyana Panigrahi because he remained unauthorisedly absent from his duties at the Kandhamal Police Hospital since 2012 and failed to respond to multiple official notices.

Q2: How many other doctors are facing disciplinary action?

Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against 128 medical officers and dental surgeons who have remained absent from their duties for five years or more. For those looking to excel in their careers, staying updated through general practice certification remains an essential step for clinical growth.

Q3: What is the current doctor vacancy status in Odisha?

As of March 2026, more than 4,000 doctor posts are vacant, with 11,186 doctors serving against a sanctioned strength of 15,793 positions.

References

Odisha CM orders dismissal of govt doctor absent since 2012, action against 128others – ETHealthworld
Odisha to act against 128 doctors absent from duty for over 5 years: CM Majhi – The Times of India

Disclaimer: This article was automatically generated from publicly available sources and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. OC Academy does not exercise editorial control or claim authorship over this content. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider and refer to current local and national clinical guidelines.