Bijbehara, Oct 01 (KNO): Residents of Bijbehara in south Kashmir's Anantnag district have demanded the immediate filling of 17 vacant posts at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Bijbehara, expressing concern over the shortage of staff and its potential impact on healthcare services.
According to details obtained by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the hospital has 34 employees against a sanctioned strength of 51, leaving 17 posts vacant.
The vacancies include six Junior Grade Nurses, one Consultant Gynaecologist, one Medical Officer, one Head X-Ray Technician, one Head Pharmacist, one Senior Pharmacist, one Supervisor Lab Technician, one Junior Lab Assistant, one Electrician, one Junior Physiotherapist, one Dhobi and one Chowkidar.
The shortage of nursing staff is particularly significant, with only one Junior Grade Nurse posted against seven sanctioned positions, leaving six posts vacant.
Residents said the hospital caters to a large population from Bijbehara and adjoining areas, making adequate staffing essential for providing timely and effective healthcare services.
They said the shortage of nurses and other technical and support staff could put additional pressure on the available workforce, particularly during emergencies and periods of increased patient rush.
"The hospital caters to a large population, and people depend on it for treatment and emergency medical services. The government must ensure that all vacant posts are filled without further delay," local residents said.
They added that while the hospital has several specialist doctors and other medical personnel in position, the shortage of nursing and technical staff could affect the overall functioning of the institution.
"The government should not focus only on infrastructure and equipment but also ensure that hospitals have adequate manpower. Without sufficient staff, providing quality healthcare becomes difficult," residents said.
They urged the Health and Medical Education Department to take immediate steps to address the vacancies, particularly in nursing and diagnostic services, so that patients do not face inconvenience.
Residents further called for a time-bound recruitment plan, saying that filling the vacant positions would help improve patient care and reduce the workload on existing employees.
As per the official figures, the hospital has its Medical Superintendent, Consultant Paediatrician, Consultant Surgeon and Consultant Physician in position. However, the post of Consultant Gynaecologist remains vacant.
The hospital also has all three sanctioned Safaiwallas, both Nursing Orderlies and all three sanctioned Chuffer and Senior Driver posts filled. However, several technical and support positions remain unoccupied.
Residents have urged the authorities to assess the hospital's manpower requirements and initiate necessary recruitment or deployment measures to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.
They said filling all 17 vacant posts would strengthen the hospital's functioning and help it cater more effectively to the healthcare needs of the local population—(KNO)