Acute doctor shortage hits Sangam Hospitals ahead of Mahakumbh 2025

This shortage is particularly alarming with the upcoming Mahakumbh 2025 as temporary hospitals will need to be set up in the mela area. The main city hospitals, expected to act as primary referral centres, are severely affected, raising concerns among district officials who stressed the urgent need to address this issue.

Key Government Hospitals Severely Understaffed

Most government hospitals, except for the TB hospital, which has a sanctioned strength of eight doctors, are operating with fewer doctors than sanctioned. According to Hindustan Times, the situation is particularly dire at Moti Lal Nehru (Colvin) Divisional Hospital, where more than 50% of doctor posts are vacant. This hospital, with 36 sanctioned positions, currently has 18 vacancies, including four for medical emergency officers. 

Similarly, at SRN Hospital of MLN Medical College, over 15% of doctor posts are vacant. Out of 181 sanctioned positions, around 20 are unfilled. Tej Bahadur Sapru (Beli) Hospital also faces a significant shortfall, with 10 out of 41 sanctioned doctor positions vacant.  

Dufferin Hospital, with a sanctioned strength of 40 doctors, is operating with just 29 doctors. The Government Unani Hospital is also affected, with 12 out of 40 doctor positions unfilled.  

Efforts to Fill Vacancies Underway

Hospital officials asserted that efforts to fill these vacancies are in progress. Dr Vatsala Mishra, acting principal of Motilal Nehru Medical College, under which SRN Hospital operates, stated that the appointment process for vacant doctor posts is ongoing, with some doctors expected to come through transfers. Dr MM Tripathi, acting chief superintendent of Colvin Hospital, mentioned that a request has been sent to the state government to fill the vacant positions. Beli Hospital officials echoed these claims, asserting that they are also working to address the shortage.  

District-Wide Shortages in Healthcare Facilities

Beyond the major hospitals, community and primary health centres in the district are also facing staffing issues. Of the 278 sanctioned posts for doctors and medical officers in these centres, the Central Jail, Police Hospital, and High Court Dispensary under the CMO’s office, 57 positions are vacant. Additionally, 75 staff nurse posts are sanctioned in community health centres, but 35 of these positions remain unfilled. District medical and health officials have sent requisitions to the government to address these vacancies, reports the Daily.

As the state gears up for Mahakumbh 2025, addressing these doctor shortages in key hospitals and healthcare centres is crucial to ensure adequate medical care for the influx of pilgrims and the local population.