Haryana directs health officers on leave to resume duty immediately: ‘department must operate at full alert mode'
Amid the ongoing developments between India and Pakistan, the Haryana Government Sunday directed all health officers and employees who are currently on leave to immediately report to their respective district headquarters and resume work.
In a statement, the government also warned of departmental disciplinary action against those who fail to comply with the orders.
Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao instructed the Health Department to exercise special caution due to the situation arising at the India-Pakistan border, citing incidents of 'repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan'.
'In view of the emergency situation at the border, the Health Department must operate at full alert mode. The presence of all officers and employees is essential to prevent disruptions in health services during any unforeseen situation. Service to the people is paramount, and at this time, the department must work in unity,' she said.
The Haryana health minister said the government is closely monitoring the evolving situation and will implement additional measures as necessary. The general public has been advised to avoid rumours and to contact local health centres for any healthcare-related concerns.
She clarified that these orders are temporary, issued in light of the security situation, and may be changed based on circumstances. However, she also stressed that ensuring timely medical facilities remains the department's top priority, and any negligence will not be tolerated.
The state government also referred to an official order released by the Director General of State Health Services to all civil surgeons Saturday. The order mandated that all types of leave — including Earned Leave (EL), Child Care Leave (CCL), Extraordinary Leave (EOL), or any other category — stood cancelled with immediate effect. Additionally, it directed that no officer or employee may leave their district headquarters or take leave.
The state government has also instructed officials to ensure the availability of essential resources at all hospitals and primary health centres across districts. Control rooms have been activated to monitor emergency medicines, blood storage, ambulance services and deployment of medical staff.
The Health Department has assured the public that it is fully prepared to handle any situation.
In an order issued on May 8, the Haryana Director General of State Health Services instructed that no health department employee or officer should leave their district headquarters or proceed on leave. The directive further specified that no type of leave shall be sanctioned until further notice. If leave is needed to be approved due to urgent circumstances, approval from the director general is required.
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