Doctor who fell seriously ill during official duties denied medical leave; Administrative Tribunal slams govt

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Administrative Tribunal has rejected the action of the Health Department which denied special disability leave to a doctor who fell seriously ill during official duties. Idukki District TB Officer and Deputy DMO Dr Umadevi was the one who was denied justice by the health department. She had contracted tuberculosis after coming in contact with patients. Soon it was found that she was suffering from a very serious condition that affected the bone marrow. However, her request for special disability leave for further treatment was rejected by the Principal Secretary, Department of Health.

Following this, Dr Uma's father filed a review petition with the health minister. But the minister handed over the file to the health department itself. This time, the health department rejected the application by citing it as an 'ordinary risk' that could occur during the course of the procedure. Dr Uma then approached the Administrative Tribunal against this.

The Administrative Tribunal held that the health department had ruthlessly rejected the complainant's leave application. According to KSR Rule 97, 98 (Part-1), government employees are entitled to special disability leave for the treatment of physical disabilities that are caused by accidents during their official duties. The tribunal found Dr Uma had fulfilled her duty as a TB officer.

Benny Gervasis, a member of the Administrative Tribunal, ordered the government to take the necessary steps to grant Dr Uma special leave with the salary she is entitled to. The order also said that the process should be completed within six weeks.