The services of an absentee doctor may soon be terminated after he was charged with continued negligence, as the office of the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) continued its inspection of staff attendance at health institutions for the second consecutive day on Saturday.

A day after CMHO Dr Prabhakar Tiwari initiated disciplinary action against doctors and staff for tardiness, health institutions in the state capital recorded a significant improvement, with almost all staff members adhering to timings.

On Friday, the CMHO had conducted surprise checks at various morning Out-Patient Departments (OPDs) at health institutions.

The inspection resulted in disciplinary proceedings against 20 doctors and paramedical staff who had reported late for duty.

On Saturday morning, departmental officers once again visited health institutions to ascertain OPD schedules, staff attendance, and the quality of service delivery.

Inspection teams visited Civil Hospital Govindpura, Civil Dispensary Pipeline, Civil Dispensary Anand Nagar, Civil Dispensary 1100 Quarter, Civil Dispensary Baghsevania, Sanjeevani Clinic Baba Nagar, and Urban Primary Health Centre Ishan Nagar. In addition, they also assessed the OPD services at primary health centres and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in rural areas. In almost all institutions, the staff was found to be present by 9:00 AM.

During the inspection, Dr Sanjay Malhotra, the Medical Officer at Urban Primary Health Centre Ishan Nagar, was found to be absent.

He had signed the attendance register a day earlier. Complaints regarding Dr Malhotra's work ethic had been received in the past as well. In view of his continued negligence and carelessness towards his duties, action for termination of his services has been proposed.

Dr Tiwari said surprise inspections will continue as part of a process to ensure better and timely health services in the district.