Dehradun, 19 June: The Uttarakhand Health and Family Welfare Department is set to take strict action against bond-holding doctors who have been absent from duty for extended periods. Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat has directed officials to submit a list of such doctors within two weeks, following a departmental review meeting held at his official residence.
Expressing strong displeasure over prolonged absenteeism, especially by doctors appointed under the government bond policy, Dr. Rawat instructed officials to initiate action as per the bond agreement, including recovery of bond amounts and termination of services.
He emphasized that MBBS graduates from government medical colleges are bound to serve in hilly areas for three to five years to ensure accessible healthcare for residents. “Doctors who violate this commitment will not be spared,” he said, adding that the government will enforce bond conditions strictly.
During the meeting, Dr. Rawat also instructed immediate appointment of 222 newly selected medical officers through the State Medical Service Selection Board. He further directed that requisitions for filling 169 vacant posts of doctors, 267 nursing officers, and 180 ANMs be sent to the board without delay. Instructions were also issued for recruitment to various technical cadre positions.
The meeting was attended by Vice President of the National Rural Health and Monitoring Council Suresh Bhatt, Director General Health Dr. Sunita Tamta, Additional Director Medical Education Dr. R.S. Bisht, Joint Director Dr. Ajit Johri, Dr. Anil Negi, and other senior departmental officials.