In a surprise inspection at Shopian District Hospital on Wednesday, authorities found more than 90% of staff absent from their duties.
The inspection, conducted at 10:10 am by the additional deputy commissioner under the direction of the deputy commissioner, revealed that of the hospital’s 198 employees, only 17 were present.
The biometric attendance records, provided by the hospital’s medical superintendent, showed that many doctors, medical officers, paramedical staff, and ministerial staff were absent without authorization. This absenteeism has caused significant inconvenience to the public, officials said.
Following the inspection, the deputy commissioner issued a circular mandating that employees absent without authorization will have one day’s salary deducted, with the amount credited to the District Red Cross Society.
The medical superintendent was instructed to seek explanations from all absentee employees for their negligence, and they were warned of potential disciplinary action under the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Rules (CSRs).
Employees have been given three days to respond, after which, if no explanation is provided, the absence will be treated as unexcused, and the salary deduction will be enforced.
The hospital is expected to submit comments and recommendations from the medical superintendent along with the employees’ responses.