Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday ordered the dismissal of a government doctor who had allegedly remained absent from duty without authorisation since 2012 and directed the Health Department to initiate proceedings against 128 other doctors and dental surgeons for prolonged absenteeism.
An official statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said the action was taken after a review of cases involving medical officers who failed to report for duty despite repeated instructions from the department.
The dismissed doctor was identified as Bichakshyana Panigrahi, a medical officer posted at the Kandhamal Police Hospital. Officials said he had been on unauthorised leave for more than a decade.
“Despite being directed on several occasions to resume duty and explain his prolonged absence, Panigrahi did not comply. He has been dismissed from service due to his continued absence and lack of interest in patient care,” an official said.
Taking a strict stance on absenteeism in the healthcare sector, Majhi also instructed the department to initiate disciplinary action against 128 medical officers and dental surgeons who have allegedly remained absent from duty for five years or more.
These doctors were posted in various government healthcare institutions across the state, officials said.
The chief minister said the state government has been prioritising the strengthening of healthcare infrastructure through the establishment of new hospitals, upgradation of existing facilities and expansion of medical education institutions.
“Many doctors remain absent from work even after receiving appointments. This will not be accepted under any circumstances,” Majhi said.
More than 4,000 doctor posts are currently vacant in Odisha. Against a sanctioned strength of 15,793 medical officer posts, 11,186 doctors were serving in the state as of March 23, 2026, according to official data.
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