Mumbai: Growing dissatisfaction is being reported among Medical Officers (Group B) serving in Maharashtra's remote tribal and Naxal-affected regions, as decisions related to long-pending service break (Sevakhand) cases remain unresolved despite years of follow-up.
Several medical officers working in difficult districts such as Gadchiroli, Gondia, Nandurbar and Chandrapur have been providing healthcare services in challenging conditions for the past two to two-and-a-half decades. During the monsoon season, they often face an increased burden of treating patients suffering from snakebites, scorpion stings, pneumonia, malnutrition and pregnancy-related complications.
According to the affected officers, several service break-related cases have remained pending at different administrative levels for years. They claim that repeated representations, appeals and follow-ups have been made before the authorities, while some cases have also undergone judicial scrutiny. However, many officers believe that a final resolution is still awaited in numerous instances.
Medical officers have pointed out that while orders have reportedly been issued in some similar cases, many others continue to remain pending. They have called for consistency and uniformity in the decision-making process to ensure equal treatment for all affected employees.
The officers further stated that timely issuance of service break orders could significantly benefit them and their families by facilitating pension settlements, compassionate appointments, educational benefits and other service-related entitlements.
Meanwhile, there are growing calls within employee organizations for stronger and more coordinated efforts to pursue the issue with the government. The affected officers have urged the Health Department to take the matter seriously and provide clarity on pending cases at the earliest.
With expectations rising among healthcare workers serving in some of Maharashtra's most difficult regions, many are hoping that the government will soon address the long-standing issue and bring relief to the affected medical officers.
