Negligence in Duty: 21 Doctors of OPEC and RIMS Hospital Served Notices Over Absenteeism
Patients Suffer as Medical Staff Fails to Show Up During Official Hours; Public Demands Stern Action
Report by Syed Imtiyaz Alam Hussaini, Raichur
Raichur, Karnataka — In a move that has shaken the medical fraternity in Raichur, the district administration has issued show-cause notices to twenty-one doctors from OPEC and RIMS hospitals for gross negligence and poor attendance during their official duty hours. The action comes after mounting complaints from patients and an alarming pattern of absenteeism uncovered through biometric records and surprise inspections.
DC Nitesh Kumar Leads Clean-up of Health Sector
Since assuming office, Raichur Deputy Commissioner Nitesh Kumar has taken a proactive role in addressing the systemic issues plaguing government hospitals in the district. His frequent visits to OPEC Hospital have reportedly brought much-needed reforms, including better service delivery and improved patient care.
“Every patient deserves timely and quality medical attention. We will not tolerate negligence from those entrusted with public health,” the DC stated during a recent inspection.
Hundreds Seek Treatment Amid Short-Staffed Wards
OPEC Hospital, now witnessing an average daily OPD (Out-Patient Department) registration of over 300 individuals, has also seen an inpatient load of 150 to 180 people across various departments. However, this growing demand for services has been severely hampered by the indifference of a section of the medical staff.
Patients have complained of doctors being unavailable even during morning hours. “We wait for hours, but the doctors are missing. Most of them are busy in their private clinics,” alleged Mahboob Ali, a resident of Raichur who had come to OPEC Hospital for his mother’s treatment.
Leadership Strives for Reform, but Faces Resistance
Efforts to overhaul the healthcare infrastructure are being led by newly appointed Special Officer Dr. Ramesh C. Sagar and RIMS Dean-cum-Director Dr. Ramesh B., both of whom have been credited with initiating several improvements. Their joint commitment has resulted in an uptick in patient footfall, particularly from underprivileged and middle-class families seeking affordable care.
“The hospital is on a path of recovery, but our work is being undermined by the irresponsible behavior of some doctors,” said Dr. Ramesh B.
Biometric Attendance Exposes Alarming Trends
The latest crackdown was prompted by a detailed review of biometric attendance logs and physical verification of doctor presence during working hours. Several doctors were found to be either absent or only partially present, despite being officially on duty. The absenteeism, coupled with patient grievances, compelled authorities to serve notices to 21 doctors.
This move follows the recent suspension of a doctor by the Ministry of Medical Education on similar grounds, indicating a broader effort to enforce discipline in public healthcare institutions.
Doctors Offer Written Assurances Amid Public Outrage
In response to the show-cause notices, nearly all the doctors submitted written assurances pledging to maintain regular attendance during service hours. However, the public remains skeptical.
“It is not enough to just give written promises. We demand strict monitoring and accountability,” said Jameela Begum, a local health activist.
Citizens Demand Ministerial Intervention 
The public outcry has reached the office of Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. Citizens of Raichur have called on him to take immediate and exemplary action against the negligent doctors.
“This is a betrayal of public trust. These doctors draw salaries from taxpayers’ money but prioritize private practice over their duties,” said one protestor outside OPEC Hospital.
Conclusion: Will Accountability Prevail?
The issuance of notices marks a critical step in enforcing discipline and restoring faith in the public healthcare system. However, whether this will lead to sustained accountability or merely temporary compliance remains to be seen.
The health of thousands hangs in the balance — and so does the credibility of the system meant to protect it.
Quotes
Deputy Commissioner Nitesh Kumar:
“Ensuring the presence of doctors during official hours is non-negotiable. We are committed to upholding the standards of public healthcare and will take necessary actions against negligence.”
Dr. Ramesh C. Sagar, Special Officer, OPEC Hospital:
“Our goal is to restore trust in public healthcare. The recent measures are steps towards ensuring accountability and better patient care.”
Local Resident, Ayesha Begum:
“It’s disheartening to visit the hospital and not find doctors during duty hours. We hope the authorities take strict action to rectify this.”
Q&A
Q: What prompted the issuance of show-cause notices to 21 doctors in Raichur?
A: The notices were issued following reports and evidence of doctors being absent during official duty hours, leading to compromised patient care.
Q: How are the authorities addressing this issue?
A: The district administration, under Deputy Commissioner Nitesh Kumar, is enforcing strict attendance protocols and considering further disciplinary actions to ensure accountability.
Q: What has been the public’s reaction?
A: There has been significant public outcry, with citizens demanding immediate and strict action against negligent doctors to restore faith in the public healthcare system.
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