Shopian: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district found over 90% of hospital staff, including doctors, absent from duty on Wednesday and have requested explanations from them, officials reported.
A surprise inspection was conducted at 10:10am at the Shopian District Hospital by the additional deputy commissioner under instructions from the deputy commissioner.
During the inspection, biometric attendance data from the hospital’s medical superintendent revealed that only 17 of the 198 hospital staff members were present, with 181 employees, including doctors, medical officers, paramedical, and administrative staff, found unauthorisedly absent.
Officials highlighted that these frequent staff absences severely impact public service. A circular issued by the deputy commissioner’s office on Tuesday warned that a day’s salary would be deducted from absent employees and directed to the District Red Cross Society.
Following the inspection, the deputy commissioner instructed the hospital’s medical superintendent to seek explanations from all absent staff for their negligence, misconduct, and unprofessional behaviour as per the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Regulations (CSRs).
The absent employees must submit their explanations within three days to the deputy commissioner’s office, along with comments and recommendations from the medical superintendent. If no response is provided, it will be assumed that the staff members have no defence, and disciplinary action, including salary deduction, will proceed.
