43 Doctors Removed From Service in AP Healthcare Crackdown

In a strong move to enforce accountability in the public healthcare system, the Andhra Pradesh government has terminated the services of 43 government doctors who remained absent from duty for extended periods without authorization. The action, announced by Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav , underscores the government's resolve to improve healthcare delivery and ensure that medical professionals fulfill their responsibilities.

The dismissed doctors, serving as Civil Assistant Surgeons in various government health institutions, were found to have stayed away from work for prolonged periods without obtaining official permission. According to the minister, the decision was taken only after the completion of all required departmental inquiries, disciplinary proceedings, and statutory procedures .

Officials said the government viewed the matter seriously as some doctors had reportedly remained absent for months, while others had not reported for duty for nearly four years . Such prolonged absenteeism was considered particularly concerning at a time when many government hospitals continue to face shortages of medical personnel and increasing patient loads.

Emphasizing that public healthcare cannot afford lapses in service, Satya Kumar Yadav said the government would maintain a zero-tolerance approach toward negligence and dereliction of duty. He noted that medical services directly impact people's lives and that those entrusted with public health responsibilities must remain accountable to the communities they serve.

The latest action follows a similar crackdown in May, when 51 doctors working in teaching hospitals under the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) were removed from service for failing to attend duty. With the dismissal of the latest batch, a total of 94 government doctors have faced disciplinary action in recent months.

Health Department officials said the government is focused on improving the quality of healthcare services, ensuring the availability of medical staff in public hospitals, and strengthening administrative discipline across the state's healthcare network. They added that strict enforcement of service rules is essential to maintaining public confidence in government-run medical institutions.