On Thursday, Health Minister Mr. Ma Subramanian ordered disciplinary action against four doctors for unauthorized absenteeism and the transfer of the Joint Director of Medical Services after a surprise inspection at the Maduranthakam Government Hospital. However, it was later revealed that two of the four doctors were not absent from duty but were deputed to a training program.

In a press release, it was revealed that Mr. Subramanian made a surprise inspection at the hospital and interacted with patients about the treatments provided. During the visit, he inspected the Siddha ward, the operation theatre, the post-natal ward, and the laboratory and ordered departmental disciplinary action against four doctors who were not present "without any prior information." He ordered the Director of Medical and Rural Health Services to transfer the Joint Director of Medical Services of Chengalpattu to another district for failure to monitor.

This action sparked controversy, as several doctors pointed out that this was not a case of unauthorized absenteeism. They reported that two doctors, an obstetrician, and an anesthetist, were gone for LaQshya (Labour Room Quality Improvement Initiative) training and that it was a weekly off for the third doctor. The fourth doctor was a newly posted non-service candidate on bond who had taken a casual leave on Thursday.

(Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/health-ministers-action-against-doctors-for-unauthorised-absenteeism-stirs-a-controversy/article66267479.ece )