On Monday, Satya Kumar Yadav, Minister of Health, Medical and Family Welfare, directed officials to take action against doctors and department staff who have been absent from duty for an extended period.
During a review meeting at the APIIC building in Mangalagiri, he stated that employees must obtain certification from government doctors for illness and required leave. Private doctor certificates will not be accepted. He emphasized that any delay caused by an individual’s inaction should be explained and, if necessary, disciplinary action taken.
The minister cited a department release that since the TDP‑led NDA government took office, 4,410 matters were brought to his attention, most involving transfers. Only 40% of those files were disposed of, and staff shortages have caused inordinate delays. He also noted that 493 doctors remain unauthorisedly absent.
He ordered that all absent doctors be dealt with within three months. A dashboard will be developed to monitor file status, and no file should remain pending at any level for more than two days. The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary G. Veerapandian, Joint Secretary Ronanki Gopalakrishna, Drug Control Administration Director General Arun Babu, and others.
