UP dismisses 5 medical officers, probes 16 in health dept crackdown
Synopsis
In the UP government's most sweeping health sector enforcement action in recent memory, five doctors have been dismissed and 16 others face proceedings — covering everything from prolonged absenteeism and patient extortion to illegal hospital registrations. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak's zero-tolerance signal is pointed, but the real test is whether this is a one-time purge or the start of sustained accountability.
Key Takeaways
Five medical officers dismissed from the UP Health Department on 8 May 2025 for prolonged unauthorised absence.
Disciplinary proceedings initiated against 16 others , including a CMO in Ambedkar Nagar.
Allegations range from patient extortion and private practice to illegal hospital registrations and staff misconduct .
Salary increments withheld for multiple doctors; Dr Lalmani of Hamirpur had three increments permanently stopped .
Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak reaffirmed a
The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday, 8 May dismissed five medical officers from service and initiated disciplinary proceedings against 16 others, including a Chief Medical Officer (CMO), in a sweeping crackdown on negligence and corruption across the state's Health Department. The action, announced from Lucknow, signals the Yogi Adityanath administration's sharpest enforcement drive in the health sector in recent memory.
Five Doctors Dismissed for Prolonged Absence
The five dismissed medical officers were found guilty of remaining absent from duty for prolonged periods without authorisation. They are Dr Alaknanda of District Hospital Gorakhpur, Dr Ramji Bhardwaj posted in Kushinagar, Dr Saurabh Singh of Balrampur, Dr Viklesh Kumar Sharma of Community Health Centre (CHC) Jagdishpur in Amethi, and Dr Monika Verma of CHC Dibiyapur in Auraiya. Their dismissals represent the most severe penalty available under service rules and effectively end their tenures in the state health system.
CMO, Deputy CMO Face Proceedings Over Hospital Irregularities
In Ambedkar Nagar, departmental proceedings have been ordered against CMO Dr Sanjay Kumar Shaival and Deputy CMO Dr Sanjay Verma over alleged irregularities in the registration and renewal of private hospitals, nursing homes, and ultrasound centres. The two officers are also accused of ignoring government directives and misusing official positions. The action follows an enquiry conducted by a three-member committee headed by an ADM-level officer.
In Hardoi district, Medical Superintendent Dr Manoj Kumar Singh of Sandila has been directed to face a departmental enquiry for allegedly failing to act against illegally operated private hospitals and for dereliction of duty. The Hardoi CMO has separately been asked to explain the appointment of a junior medical officer to a senior post despite the availability of senior doctors — a procedural irregularity that officials say contravenes established norms.
Negligence, Misconduct Across Multiple Districts
At Meja CHC in Prayagraj, Superintendent Dr Shameem Akhtar has been transferred and faces disciplinary action over alleged administrative negligence and failure to maintain control over subordinate staff. In Sultanpur, action has been ordered against then Lambhua CHC Superintendent Dr Anil Kumar Singh, Medical Officer Dr Dharmaraj, and pharmacist Avadhnarayan over alleged negligence in the treatment of a woman patient.
In Mathura, Emergency Medical Officer Dr Devendra Kumar and surgeon Dr Vikas Mishra of the District Hospital will face departmental proceedings over alleged irregularities in medical examination procedures. Officials in Balrampur, Varanasi, Budaun, Kheri, and Sambhal districts are also under investigation for alleged negligence and administrative lapses.
Associate Professor Dr Rituj Agrawal of the Orthopaedics Department at Government Medical College, Budaun, will face disciplinary action for allegedly misbehaving and using abusive language against a woman medical officer and another doctor — an incident that reportedly drew complaints from within the institution.
Salary Increments Withheld, Censure Punishments Imposed
The government has imposed censure punishment on Dr Pratibha Yadav of Bahraich and Dr Rakesh Singh of Mathura. The deputation of Dr Aditya Pandey, who was serving with the State Health Agency under the cashless medical scheme, has been cancelled and he has been sent back to his original posting in Rae Bareli.
Salary increments of several doctors have also been withheld. Three annual increments of gynaecologist Dr Lalmani of Hamirpur were permanently stopped over allegations of extorting money from pregnant women and misbehaving with patients. Four increments of Dr Santosh Singh of Balrampur and two increments of Dr Nisha Bundela of Jhansi have also been withheld. Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Pawan Sahu of Trauma Centre Moth in Jhansi received censure punishment and stoppage of two salary increments after allegations of private practice were found to be true.
Government's Zero Tolerance Stance
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who also holds the health portfolio, said the state was following a
Point of View
But UP's public health system has faced structural accountability gaps for years. The real question is whether this crackdown is backed by systemic reforms — independent complaint mechanisms, regular third-party audits of CHCs, and transparent increment review processes — or whether it remains a periodic purge that leaves underlying incentives unchanged. Patient welfare demands the former.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the UP government dismiss five medical officers?
The five medical officers were dismissed for remaining absent from duty for prolonged periods without authorisation, a serious service violation. The action was announced on 8 May 2025 as part of a broader crackdown on negligence and corruption in the state's Health Department.
Who is Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak and what action did he announce?
Brajesh Pathak is the Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and also holds the health portfolio. He announced the dismissal of five doctors and disciplinary proceedings against 16 others, reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy towards negligence in public healthcare services.
What are the charges against the CMO in Ambedkar Nagar?
CMO Dr Sanjay Kumar Shaival and Deputy CMO Dr Sanjay Verma of Ambedkar Nagar face departmental proceedings over alleged irregularities in the registration and renewal of private hospitals, nursing homes, and ultrasound centres, as well as ignoring government directives and misusing official positions.
Which districts are affected by the UP health department crackdown?
The crackdown covers officials in Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Balrampur, Amethi, Auraiya, Ambedkar Nagar, Hardoi, Prayagraj, Sultanpur, Mathura, Budaun, Varanasi, Kheri, Sambhal, Jhansi, Hamirpur, Bahraich, and Rae Bareli.
What punishments beyond dismissal have been handed out?
Beyond the five dismissals, punishments include withheld salary increments — with three increments permanently stopped for Dr Lalmani of Hamirpur — censure orders, transfer, cancellation of deputation, and departmental enquiries for multiple doctors and health officials.
