On September 23, the government of Jammu and Kashmir suspended two physicians for “unauthorised absence from their duties.”
Both medical officers Dr. Asim Shameem Zaz and Dr. Kawaldeep Kour had taken time off but failed to go back to work after the vacation period had ended, according to authorities.
In order to attend a wedding in Canada, Dr. Zaz, who was working as a medical officer, requested 89 days of vacation from the CMO in Budgam. He was fired as a result of his failure to return to work after the leave time had ended.
Another instance was Dr. Kour, a Medical Officer who had requested a one-year study vacation at GMC, Baramulla. She was fired as well because she continued to neglect her responsibilities after the vacation time had finished.
The Jammu and Kashmir government’s Health & Medical Education Department issued the termination orders, claiming a breach of the norms and regulations surrounding unauthorised absences. The department discovered that both physicians had quit their jobs without getting permission beforehand.
The department claims that Dr. Kawaldeep Kour was given one last chance to explain her persistent absence but did not do so within the allotted time period, which resulted in the department terminating her employment.
In the instance of Dr. Asim Shameem Zaz, he requested a leave of absence but did not get the necessary authorization before leaving the country or upon his return. Later, he made a request for an early or voluntary retirement, which has been allowed under the relevant regulations.
