Pune: Despite facing a severe manpower shortage, BJ Government Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital has taken several steps to maintain patient care and service quality, said Dean Dr Eknath Pawar, marking one year in office on June 19.
RTI data revealed that nearly 50% of the 843 sanctioned Class IV posts and 118 doctor positions remain vacant, alongside several unfilled Associate and Assistant Professor posts. Dr Pawar acknowledged the issue but noted that recruitment efforts are underway via the MPSC and local authorities.
To ensure hygiene and accountability, the administration has implemented surprise inspections, photo documentation, and staff training. Cleanliness services are being outsourced temporarily, and Class IV recruitment advertisements will be issued soon.
In the last year, directional boards, additional benches in OPDs, and better patient interaction protocols have been introduced. The DPDC sanctioned ₹6 crore for essential medicines, ensuring no patient is asked to buy medicines from outside.
Dr Pawar also highlighted measures to curb corruption in recruitment under compassionate grounds for Class IV employees’ children. Over 30 appointments have already been made under this scheme.
On the infrastructure front, the OPD is undergoing renovation, and the David Sassoon and Jacob Sassoon heritage buildings are being restored. A fully air-conditioned central library, research unit, and medical education unit are also planned.
