Government Medical College (GMC) Kathua finds itself at a crossroads, balancing remarkable surgical achievements with significant staff shortages. Despite conducting over 40,000 surgeries in the past five years and reporting 1,800 deaths, the hospital faces a daunting task of filling over 400 vacant positions, as revealed by data obtained through RTI by activist MM Shuja.
The numbers paint a stark picture: out of the 267 gazetted roles sanctioned, only 154 are currently filled, leaving 113 positions vacant. Similarly, of the 433 non-gazetted positions, only 206 are occupied, leaving 227 unfilled. Additionally, 38 out of 116 Class IV positions remain vacant, exacerbating the staffing crisis.
Yet, amidst these challenges, GMC Kathua has displayed resilience and commitment to healthcare. Despite the shortage, the hospital has managed to serve approximately 80% of in-patient cases under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. Furthermore, it has achieved remarkable milestones in surgery, conducting 16,003 major surgeries and 26,150 minor surgeries over the past five years.
The situation underscores the need for urgent action to address the staffing shortages plaguing GMC Kathua. While the hospital’s surgical successes are commendable, they are overshadowed by the persistent struggle to fill vital positions. It is imperative for authorities to prioritize recruitment efforts and provide necessary support to ensure that GMC Kathua can continue its vital healthcare services effectively.
