Shortage of docs, staff ails Nawanshahr Civil Hospital

Tribune News Service

Nawanshahr, November 27

The Civil Hospital, Nawanshahr, is grappling with a huge staff shortage with 50 per cent of the posts lying vacant. The hospital is functioning without a gynaecologist, paediatrician and orthopaedic and other required staff. Of the total 157 sanctioned strength in the hospital, only 77 are filled.

The sanctioned strength of gynaecologist is three, but not even a single post has been filled. All four posts of a paediatrician and one post of orthopaedic are also lying vacant.

Also, there is not even a single general duty medical officer (GDMO) in the hospital, when there is a need of eight GDMOs as per the sanctioned strength. Besides, as many as 10 posts of staff nurse are also lying vacant. There is a shortage of clerical staff too. As per information, an orthopaedic doctor has been deputed in the hospital for some time.

Officers said in the absence of staff, it becomes difficult for patients. They said female medical officers’ look after gynae problems.

Harwinder Singh, Senior Medical Officer (SMO) of the Civil Hospital, said problems come due to dearth of staff.

“The request to appoint staff has been given to the department and we are hopeful that the vacant posts would be filled soon,” he said.

The patients, especially those belonging to poor sections of society, are having a hard time in getting treatment due to staff shortage.