CONCERN | Patients suffer as SMHS Hospital grapples with vacant posts

Srinagar: As government hospitals grapple with an overwhelming patient influx, the glaring failure of the administration to fill vacant posts is taking a significant toll on healthcare services.

The Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital, one of Kashmir’s prominent tertiary healthcare institutes, has been hit particularly hard, with over 27 percent of its authorised positions lying vacant.

According to information obtained by this correspondent, out of a total of 1,288 sanctioned posts at SMHS Hospital, a staggering 344 positions are vacant.

Health officials assert that this shortage is detrimentally impacting the delivery of healthcare services in the region.

A detailed breakdown of the vacancies at SMHS Hospital reveals a concerning gap in critical positions. Notably, 35 posts for assistant surgeons remain unfilled, out of a sanctioned strength of 74. Only 39 assistant surgeons are currently in position, leaving the remaining 35 posts vacant. This situation places a considerable strain on the existing medical staff.

Moreover, the hospital lacks a medical record officer, and seven registrar positions are also vacant, out of a total sanctioned strength of 12. In this case, only five registrars are currently in their roles, leaving seven positions unfilled. The post of Deputy Medical Superintendent (PSY) at SMHS Hospital is also vacant, further exacerbating the healthcare workforce crisis.

The shortage of essential technical staff is equally alarming. One ECG technician and four ECG assistant positions are vacant, impacting the hospital’s diagnostic services. There are other several posts vacant which are putting the burden on the existing staff.

In response to concerns about these vacancies, a hospital official stated, “There are vacant posts, but gazetted posts are filled by recruiting agencies after the completion of due processes, and we have notified them about the vacancies.”

However, a senior doctor, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration with the situation, emphasising the impact on the current healthcare workforce.

 “It is not rocket science that vacant posts place a burden on current employees, which, in turn, leads to poor healthcare delivery. One cannot overburden staff and then expect better services.”

The shortage of medical personnel at SMHS Hospital, a critical healthcare institution in Kashmir, raises concerns about the quality of healthcare services provided to the public.

“It underscores the pressing need for prompt action from the authorities to address these staffing deficiencies and ensure that the hospital can operate at full capacity, providing adequate care to those in need. The situation calls for an urgent review of the hiring and recruitment processes to expedite the filling of vacant positions and relieve the strain on the dedicated healthcare workforce.”