Srinagar, June 20: The newly established Government Medical Colleges in Doda and Rajouri continue to face a severe manpower shortage, adversely affecting healthcare services in the region.
According to an RTI reply filed by Dr. Mohammad Shakir Hussain, in GMC Doda there are 32 sanctioned posts for Associate Professors, of which only 11 are filled and 21 remain vacant.
Additionally, out of 49 sanctioned Assistant Professor posts, 29 are in position while 20 are vacant, highlighting the lackadaisical approach of the health department.
Similarly, the RTI activist filed another application regarding faculty shortage at GMC Rajouri, which revealed that out of 23 sanctioned professor posts, only two are filled while 21 remain vacant.
Of the 32 sanctioned posts for associate professors, 17 are in position and 15 are vacant. Likewise, out of 43 sanctioned assistant professor posts, 31 are filled and 12 remain vacant.
The medical colleges were established by the Health Ministry under Centrally Sponsored Scheme establishment of new Medical Colleges attached with existing referral/district Hospitals.
In March this year the Health and Medical Education Department informed the Legislative Assembly that all vacant faculty posts stand referred to the JKPSC for advertisement and for the selection of suitable candidates.
The government was then also informed that the cost of civil works in respect of GMC Doda has been revised from Rs 139.00 Crore to Rs 164.90 Crore with prior approval from the Administrative Council enabling the completion of balance works of the GMC.
It further said moreover DNB Courses are being offered in the disciplines of Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Orthopedics in GMC Doda.
In March 2019, some existing medical colleges in J&K lost faculty positions due to lateral entry after the government absorbed faculty members in newly established GMCs.
Doctors said the crisis is attributed to several factors, including delayed recruitment, the reluctance of specialists to serve in remote areas, and the migration of trained professionals to private hospitals or other states offering better pay and working conditions.
Recently, the Health and Medical Education Department informed J&K Government that all entry-level faculty posts of GMCs have been referred to J&K Public Service Commission for advertisement and for selection of suitable candidates.
A senior official of the health department said the requisite manpower requirements of GMCs have been sent to PSC for doctors and to the J&KSSRB for paramedical staff. “It will take time for the medical colleges to get the required manpower to run healthcare services and medical education properly,” he said.
Officials acknowledge the challenges faced by existing staff due to workload and assured that steps are being taken to expedite the recruitment process to address the shortage.
