Chandigarh: The three major government healthcare institutions in the city are facing an acute shortage of nursing and paramedical staff, raising concerns over the growing pressure on the existing workforce and healthcare delivery.
Hundreds of Posts Lying Vacant
More than eight hundred nursing and paramedical posts are currently vacant across the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Government Medical College and Hospital in Sector Thirty Two, and Government Multi-Speciality Hospital in Sector Sixteen, even as these institutions cater to hundreds of patients daily.
Vacancies at GMCH and GMSH
At Government Medical College and Hospital, a significant number of sanctioned nursing and paramedical posts remain unfilled. Similarly, Government Multi-Speciality Hospital is also functioning with a reduced workforce due to vacant nursing and paramedical positions.
PGIMER Faces Major Shortfall
PGIMER, which has the highest number of sanctioned posts among the three institutions, is also grappling with shortages. Despite its large sanctioned strength, several nursing and paramedical posts are presently vacant, adding to the burden on existing staff.
Details Shared in Parliament
The information was shared in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav. He provided institution-wise details of sanctioned and vacant posts while responding to a question raised by Member of Parliament Manish Tiwari.
Status of Promotions and Cadre Review
Replying to concerns over delays in promotions and cadre restructuring, the Minister said that Government Medical College and Hospital and Government Multi-Speciality Hospital have reported no delays. At PGIMER, the third cadre review for non-faculty staff, including nursing personnel, has already been completed.
Tribunal Order on Nursing Promotions
On the issue of delayed nursing promotions at PGIMER, the Minister informed that the Central Administrative Tribunal in Chandigarh has temporarily restrained the institute from holding promotion meetings for certain nursing posts. The tribunal has directed PGIMER to fulfil specific conditions before proceeding further.
Outsourcing and Future Recruitment
Addressing concerns over patient care, the Minister said services at GMCH and GMSH are being managed with available staff, while PGIMER is operating beyond optimal capacity to ensure uninterrupted care. He added that nursing and paramedical staff are being hired on an outsourced basis as per requirement, and filling of vacant or newly created posts is an ongoing administrative process.
