Bengaluru's Government-Run Hospitals Struggle with Severe Staff Shortages AmidImproved Drug Availability

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government-run hospitals continue to face severe challenges due to acute staff shortages, despite efforts to improve drug availability. According to the health and family welfare department, only 53 per cent of its sanctioned workforce is operational, leaving a significant gap in healthcare services.

The current shortage is attributed to procedural delays and budget constraints, which have hampered new recruitments. With 35,196 out of 74,799 sanctioned posts remaining vacant, hospitals are operating with critically understaffed teams.

In the emergency department, key positions remain unfilled, leaving a severe shortage of doctors. The recent circular revealed that 466 out of 706 casualty medical officer (CMO) posts are vacant, resulting in a 69 per cent shortage of emergency doctors. This shortage has forced hospitals to turn away patients requiring urgent care.

The working president of the Karnataka Health Department Employees Central Association, BK Giri Gowda, expressed concern over the lack of response to their repeated pleads for filling 50 per cent of the vacancies. "We urge the government to opt for regular appointments," he said. "This will ensure job security and better pay, while fostering greater responsibility among employees."

Medical superintendent Dr Savitha C highlighted a 45 per cent staff shortage at her institution, particularly among specialized doctors and nurses. Despite efforts to fill these vacancies, the hospital continues to reel under severe staffing shortages.

However, health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao assured that measures are being taken to address the staff recruitment issue. "We are working to fill vacancies approved by the finance department and pursuing clearance for others," he said. Meanwhile, significant improvements have been made in drug availability, with 70 per cent of medicines provided by the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation.

The chief minister Siddaramaiah had earlier expressed concern over the slow recruitment process and directed officials to expedite hiring for positions cleared by the finance department. Despite these efforts, progress remains sluggish due to a lack of enthusiasm among applicants preferring contract-based hiring over permanent appointments.

As the situation continues to unfold, the healthcare community is keeping a close eye on the government's efforts to address the staff shortage crisis.