Kolkata, The West Bengal government will end extended Durga Puja holidays for staff at state-run hospitals from next year and introduce a duty roster to ensure round-the-clock healthcare services, Health Minister Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay said.
Mukhopadhyay said an unwritten rule has continued since Independence, with the festive break beginning on 'Sasthi', the sixth day of Durga Puja, and extending until Lakshmi Puja.
"This practice will end from next year," he said on Friday.
"The health department is not like other departments. It is an emergency department. People have to be provided services 24 hours a day, seven days a week," Mukhopadhyay said.
He said hospitals would introduce a duty roster for staff from 'Saptami' to 'Dashami' during Durga Puja next year.
"Those who are currently on leave have also been directed to join work from today," the minister said.
Doctors and nurses would not be assigned a fixed roster, but will have to remain available at hospitals as required, he said.
The announcement followed reports of doctors and other officials remaining absent from hospitals during the festive period, with allegations that some had taken leave without permission.
Mukhopadhyay subsequently met health department officials on Friday and expressed displeasure over it.
"This is a shameful matter. Government employees are employees of the people. The health department is an emergency department. We do not have any festivals. We have to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week," he asserted.