Shortage of Doctors: 7 doctors appointed at Malerkotla Civil Hospital

Malerkotla: To address the ongoing shortage of doctors, the Punjab government has appointed seven doctors to the Civil Hospital in Malerkotla. The new recruits, including two gynaecologists, one surgeon, and one physician are expected to enhance the patient care at the facility.

The appointment has sparked some debate, with local MLA Jamil Ur Rahman attributing the development to his efforts. However, social activist and advocate Bhisham Kinger, who had earlier filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Punjab and Haryana High Court over the hospital’s staff shortage, has claimed that the appointments were made due to the legal proceedings.

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Speaking to the Tribune India, Kinger said, “We are glad that the government has made fresh appointments due to the PIL that was filed in the interest of the general public.” 

He further added that the appointments were made following the court’s order, which had asked the state government to submit a status report on the recruitment process at the hospital.

A review of the records revealed that the Chief Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Punjab, Anurag Verma, had issued orders to deploy seven doctors at the hospital on Tuesday.

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The direction had been issued after seeking approval from the state Health and Family Welfare Minister. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had earlier directed the government to submit a status report on the recruitment of doctors at Malerkotla Civil Hospital through an affidavit filed by the Chief Secretary. This order, along with the growing public demand, has likely played a major role in expediting the government's decision to make the appointments.

The upcoming hearing of the PIL on February 13 will likely provide further clarity on the issue.