Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has initiated proceedings to dismiss nearly 2,000 government hospital employees, including 1,194 doctors, for unauthorised absence from work. The list includes 859 doctors from various healthcare facilities, ranging from Primary Health Centers to District and General Hospitals under the Directorate of Health Services (DHS). As many as 252 nurses employed at these hospitals are also set to be dismissed for similar reasons.

Over 300 other staff members, including lab technicians, health inspectors, and radiographers, are also on the expulsion list. The Directorate of Medical Education (DME), which oversees recruitment for medical colleges, is taking action against 335 doctors, of whom 251 have already been served notices. While the DHS employs approximately 6,000 doctors, the DME has 2,500 under its purview. Among the absentees, 412 doctors under the DHS  are found to have absconded before completing their probation period.

Authorities have begun issuing notices as part of the dismissal process. If recipients cannot be reached in person, the notices will be pasted at their respective residences. Meanwhile, 72 employees who have received notices have expressed their willingness to return to work.