The Orissa High Court has raised serious concerns over the increasing number of government doctors opting for voluntary retirement, calling it a potential threat to the state’s healthcare system. The court has urged the Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department to consider amending the Odisha Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1992, to curb the large-scale exit of medical professionals from government service.
Court’s Concerns
Justice Dr. Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi, presiding over the case, noted a disturbing trend of doctors across India resigning in large numbers through the voluntary retirement scheme. “This is not just an administrative issue—it is evolving into a full-fledged public health crisis,” he remarked.
The judge warned that if the situation continues unchecked, it could severely weaken Odisha’s healthcare infrastructure. “If doctors keep leaving at this rate, hospitals will struggle to function, patients will be left without care, and the state will fail in its fundamental duty of protecting human lives,” he emphasized.
The Case of Dr. Snigdha Prava Mishra
The court’s observations came during the hearing of a case involving Dr. Snigdha Prava Mishra, a professor at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur. In 2024, she was transferred to SRM Medical and Hospital in Bhawanipatna as Superintendent. However, she was unhappy with the transfer and requested a posting at Shri Jagannath Medical College and Hospital in Puri instead.
When her request was denied, Dr. Mishra went on leave, citing health reasons. After her leave period ended, she was asked to return to work but instead applied for voluntary retirement, again citing illness. When her request was rejected, she approached the High Court for relief.
Court’s Ruling
Referring to a 2018 Supreme Court judgment in State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors. v. Achal Singh, the High Court examined whether government employees have an absolute right to retire voluntarily by serving a three-month notice or if the state can deny such requests in the public interest.
The court highlighted that while employees are entitled to benefits such as gratuity and pension upon retirement, the government retains the authority to reject voluntary retirement requests if their services are deemed essential.
“If all doctors are allowed to retire at will, government hospitals will face a crisis, leading to a collapse of public healthcare. This goes against the concept of a welfare state and would harm public interest,” the court stated.
With this ruling, the High Court has signaled the urgent need for policy changes to retain doctors in government service and prevent the healthcare system from being compromised.
