MUMBAI, Sept. 9 -- Around 35 doctors working at the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray (HBT) Trauma Care Hospital in Jogeshwari have been issued show-cause notices over irregularities in recording their biometric attendance, according to officials aware of the matter. The doctors have been asked to explain within 48 hours why disciplinary action should not be initiated against them for the irregularities. Failure to respond within the stipulated period, or an explanation deemed unsatisfactory, could result in disciplinary action. According to the notice, a copy of which is with HT, the hospital found instances of irregular or incomplete attendance, including doctors recording only a single punch without a corresponding entry or exit punch. "Regular and proper recording of biometric attendance is mandatory for all municipal corporation employees and is an important aspect of maintaining discipline, punctuality and accountability in government service," the notice states. The action comes amid concerns over the availability of senior doctors at civic hospitals. According to sources at HBT Trauma Care Hospital, some senior doctors come in just to punch in their attendance and leave soon afterwards to attend to their private practices. "Since the morning hours often clash with the OPD at their private clinics, they are in a rush. Often, they avoid seeing patients, refer them to their own private clinics or direct them to come some other day," said a junior doctor, requesting anonymity. Dr Chaya Shinde, the hospital's dean, said, "These are internal matters concerning the hospital, which we are looking at. These are our staffers, and we have asked for an explanation." Additional municipal commissioner (city) Prajakta Verma-Lavangre said doctors have been told to remain available at their hospitals from 9 am to 4 pm....