Doctors Leaving the Institute
Raipur: Over the past three years, around 35 doctors have resigned from AIIMS Raipur, resulting in 40% of faculty positions remaining vacant, according to official data. The resignations have created a critical shortage of faculty, affecting the hospital’s operations and healthcare delivery.
The primary reasons cited for the resignations include career advancement opportunities, higher salaries in private hospitals, and spousal postings in other states. Most doctors, however, have largely refrained from commenting publicly on the issue.
Impact on Hospital Functioning
The exodus of doctors comes at a time when the institute requires more medical professionals to manage high patient footfalls. Healthcare activists have warned that without urgent intervention, the staffing shortage could worsen, disrupting hospital services.
Former Health Minister and Congress leader TS Singh Deo commented, “The exodus was due to multiple factors, including career advancement, higher salaries in private hospitals, and spousal postings. Additionally, the negative perception of Chhattisgarh as a Naxal-affected state discourages young doctors from joining AIIMS Raipur.”
Faculty Shortages Across AIIMS
The shortage is not limited to Raipur. Nearly seven fully operational AIIMS across India are experiencing increasing faculty vacancies:
- AIIMS New Delhi – 34%
- AIIMS Bhopal – 24%
- AIIMS Bhubaneswar – 25%
- AIIMS Jodhpur – 28%
- AIIMS Raipur – 38%
- AIIMS Patna – 27%
- AIIMS Rishikesh – 39%
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda informed Parliament that faculty shortages also persist in partially operational AIIMS:
- Mangalagiri – 41%
- Nagpur – 23%
- Kalyani – 39%
Government Measures and Concerns
While the government is taking steps to retain doctors and fill vacancies, healthcare experts caution that unless effective retention strategies are implemented, the shortage could significantly affect patient care and hospital functioning.
