New Delhi, 07 September 2025: A senior doctor from a leading Delhi government hospital has been issued a notice after being absent from duty for nearly three years while continuing to draw salary during this period. What has sparked further controversy is her social media presence, where she presents herself as a filmmaker based in Canada.
Allegations of Absenteeism
The doctor, who once headed the biochemistry department at the hospital, is alleged to have stayed away from work for almost three years without proper authorization. Complaints claim that during this time, she pursued filmmaking abroad, causing a financial loss estimated at around ₹50 lakh to the exchequer.
Her Instagram profile introduces her as a filmmaker, writer, and editor, while professional profiles indicate she undertook creative studies in cinematography and production overseas. She has even been credited as a director, writer, and producer for several short films and projects released in recent years.
Hospital authorities have already taken initial steps by removing her from her head of department post a month ago. A detailed chargesheet has also been prepared and forwarded to higher authorities for further action. Additionally, her salary has been placed on hold pending investigation.
Officials have reportedly sought information from immigration and registration offices to confirm the extent of her stays abroad and to verify if she was present in India during her claimed leave period.
Violation of Rules
As per government service rules, doctors are entitled to various forms of leave, including earned leave, casual leave, and study leave. For longer educational pursuits, study leave can be sanctioned for up to 36 months, but it requires proper approval and a bond to serve the government afterward. In this case, allegations suggest that leave was never formally sanctioned, even as she continued to receive full pay.
According to her professional background, she had taken up creative arts training from international institutions over the past few years. She is listed as having studied animation, cinematography, and film production. Her work in the entertainment sector includes short films and independent projects, highlighting a parallel career she was building alongside her medical profession.
The health ministry has sought her explanation and further disciplinary proceedings may follow once the chargesheet is reviewed. If the allegations are proven true, it could lead to strict administrative action, recovery of the financial loss, and potential termination from service.
This case raises broader concerns about accountability in government services, especially in critical sectors like healthcare. Questions are being asked about how such a long absence went unnoticed and whether monitoring mechanisms for attendance and leave need strengthening.
The episode also underlines the importance of transparency among public officials. While professionals may have aspirations beyond their primary careers, engaging in them without proper disclosure or approval not only breaches service rules but also undermines public trust.
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