Efforts Underway to Strengthen Nursing Cadre, Address Gaps in Patient Care
Chandigarh:
To tackle the ongoing nursing staff shortage, the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, Chandigarh, has launched the recruitment process for 324 nursing posts. This initiative aims to address long-standing concerns about excessive workloads and declining patient care standards due to understaffing.
As of June 2025, 383 out of 1,161 sanctioned nursing positions remain vacant. Hospital officials confirmed that the written exam has been conducted and results declared, with merit-based counselling to begin shortly. Appointment letters will be issued thereafter.
Critical Gaps in Key Roles Persist
The nursing shortage has had a visible impact on healthcare delivery, with the nursing union raising concerns about staff burnout and reduced quality of care. The post of nursing superintendent remains vacant, and one of nine assistant superintendent roles is still unfilled. Though all 61 senior nursing officer posts are occupied, there is a significant shortfall at the nursing officer/staff nurse level, where 381 out of 1,090 posts remain vacant.
Currently, GMCH functions with 709 nursing personnel, including 660 regular staff, 22 daily wage workers, and 27 outsourced staff.
New Posts Approved for Trauma and Emergency Block
To further strengthen nursing services, GMCH has secured Central Government approval for new nursing positions, particularly for its trauma and emergency block. Of the newly created positions, 45 posts have received final approval, covering both junior and senior roles.
Educational Expansion to Build Future Workforce
In a parallel development, the number of BSc Nursing seats at GMCH has increased from 35 to 60, following the launch of postgraduate (PG) and Doctor of Medicine (DM) courses. The Indian Nursing Council approved the expansion, offering more opportunities for students from Chandigarh and neighbouring states.
Currently, GMCH and PGIMER are the only institutions in Chandigarh offering BSc Nursing. PGIMER offers 90 seats for BSc Nursing, 60 for basic nursing, and 31 for MSc Nursing.
Looking Ahead
Recognising the vital role of nurses in patient care and hospital operations, GMCH plans to initiate further rounds of recruitment to fill other vacant posts. These efforts mark a shift from years of stagnation and reflect a renewed commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the Union Territory.
