Those who are on unauthorized absence will be dismissed; report should be submitted within five days, says Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George has directed to take strict action against the Health Department employees who are on unauthorized absence from work. The minister said that legally valid actions, including dismissal, would be taken against those employees who are on unauthorized absence.

"Health workers are carrying out coordinated activities for epidemic prevention. However, it has been found that some employees are on unauthorized leave. This cannot be accepted in any way. Directions have been given to report the information of the employees who are on unauthorized leave in the districts within the next five days," the minister said.

Employees on unapproved leave who wish to rejoin the service have been told to get back to work within a week. The minister also instructed the Director of the Health Department and the Director of Medical Education to take further action accordingly. The minister gave the directive in a high-level meeting of the Health Department.