THRISSUR: The Health Department has expedited the process of dismissal of doctors and nurses who have applied for long-term leave and are do not come for duty. 56 doctors and 84 nursing officers were dismissed from various government medical colleges in the state last year.

Many doctors join medical colleges only for experience. After five years of employment, they apply for leave and go to private hospitals or abroad. Many applications are not approved. However, they do not come to work on the strength of the application. Even if they are given notice, they do not appear. Those who do not come for duty illegally are being dismissed.

The illegal absence of doctors is seriously affecting the functioning of medical colleges and patient care. Doctors are going abroad to earn more money as there are strict restrictions in place on private practice. There are no experienced doctors at Thrissur Medical College and the Urology and Nephrology departments, as doctors have taken leave without reason. New doctors are also unavailable.

Nurses going abroad

Many nurses go abroad after taking long leave. Their work experience, including in medical colleges, helps them get high salaries and jobs in good hospitals.

Doctors dismissed from medical colleges

(Last year's figures)

Kozhikode................................ 13

Alappuzha..................................10

Thiruvananthapuram............ 9

Ernakulam.................................. 9

Kottayam............................6

Thrissur.............................4

Kollam............................. 3

Wayanad................................. 1

Idukki...............................1

"The fact that doctors are seeking other options is affecting the functioning of medical colleges. Ways must be found to overcome this."

-Dr. N. Ashokan,

Principal, Thrissur Government Medical College