With NMC inspection knocking, VIMSAR yet to deal with its shortcomings

Sambalpur: Burla-based Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) is in trouble as the date for National Medical Commission inspection is approaching while the institute is yet to deal with its shortcomings.

Although the apex medical regulator NMC is expected to visit the medical college in May, several problems including faculty shortage, inadequate infrastructure are plaguing the institute.

If these problems are not dealt with immediately, the institute might lose its chance of obtaining nod from NMC to increase PG seats in some of the departments.

Previously known as Burla Medical College, VIMSAR was established in 1959 with an aim of providing solution to healthcare problems in Western Odisha. Apart from catering the needs patients of Western Odisha and neighbouring states, the institute also imparts medical education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The postgraduate students of the institute serve to the needs of the patients and for the same reasons cancelling of PG seats might affect the healthcare services directly.

Meanwhile, reports have informed that an NMC team is expected to visit the institute in May and the institute authorities have also been appraised of this development.

As per the latest media report by Orissa Post, the institute is facing a lot of problems including faculty shortage and inadequate infrastructure. Several teaching posts are still lying vacant in departments such as pathology, dermatology, orthopaedics, radiology, biochemistry, microbiology and pediatrics. 

Demands are being made to fill up these posts immediately as the NMC team mainly reviews the availability of faculties in a medical institute. In fact, the daily adds that the resident doctors have also made similar demands to resolve the issue of faculty shortage.

Taking note of the issue, the college authorities had advertised for the posts of doctors. On the other hand, the faculty crisis has already sparked resentment among patients and the situation can get worse if the PG seats get cancelled following the NMC visit.

Speaking to Orissa Post regarding the issue, Prof Dr Lalit Meher, director of VIMSAR informed about the attempts for filing up the vacant posts of teachers ahead of the NMC visit in May. He also informed about the advertisements that have been published in newspaper inviting applications for the posts of doctors and faculties.

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