The Ministry of Health has sacked 20 officials, including 17 doctors, for their professional misconduct. 

According to the MoHP, these officials had found to have played truant for over 60 days without informing the concerned authorities. 

The decision to take against the officials in question was taken on May 11 by a secretary-level meeting, and it was made public on Thursday. 

The doctors and health professionals who have been sacked will not be eligible for any government services in future, according to the decision. A paediatrician, an ayurvedic doctor and 15 medical officers are among the 20 health officials upon whom the government axe has fallen. Dr Mahendra Shrestha, spokesperson for the MoHP, said despite repeated calls to be present at the ministry, they failed to show up. 

“We had been receiving complaints from districts regarding their misconduct,” said Dr Shrestha. “We initiated action against them after holding consultation with the Public Service Commission.” The MoHP believes that a majority of these health officials could have gone abroad for further studies and never return. 

A public notice was issued in December asking them to furnish clarifications within 15 days. However, none had obliged.