Better Incentives, Work Flexibility: UP Govt doctors quit jobs to join private hospitals

The establishment of corporate hospitals in the city has coincided with this trend, creating a competitive environment that offers financial incentives, improved work conditions, and greater flexibility—a combination that is proving hard for many doctors to resist. According to the Times of India, over the past five years, more than two dozen specialists have departed from these institutions, leading to a concerning shortage of experienced faculty. 

At KGMU, which is already facing a staggering 100 vacancies, the loss of over a dozen superspecialists, including notable figures such as Dr. Subuhi Qureshi (gynaecologist) and Dr. Madhukar Mittal (endocrinologist), is facing a workforce crunch. The trend is mirrored at RMLIMS, where the institute struggles with 150 super specialist faculty members and 200 vacant positions. The recruitment process has been hampered by a legal dispute over reservation rules. The ongoing faculty exodus includes prominent names like Dr. Gaurav Gupta (medical oncologist) and Dr. Prashant Verma (former head of gastro medicine), reports the Daily.

SGPGI is not immune to this crisis either, with specialists leaving due to high work pressure and inadequate compensation. Recent departures include Dr. DS Bhadauria (nephrology) and Dr. UC Ghoshal (gastroenterology), highlighting the systemic issues affecting these institutions.

While many doctors who have transitioned to private facilities opted not to comment on the record, they cited financial benefits and reduced workloads as significant motivators for their decisions. However, one organ transplant surgeon from KGMU expressed a different viewpoint, sharing his struggles with insufficient staff and bureaucratic delays in acquiring essential equipment after returning from training abroad. This perspective underscores the need for internal reforms to address the challenges faced by government medical institutes, reports the daily.

Prof. Shally Awasthi, former head of the pediatrics department at KGMU and current vice-chancellor of a private university, emphasized the critical importance of fostering a supportive and collaborative environment within government medical institutions. She advocates for streamlined recruitment processes and the resolution of internal issues to retain talent and ensure the delivery of quality healthcare.

As the trend of senior doctors migrating to private hospitals continues, stakeholders in Lucknow's healthcare system must take immediate action to address the underlying issues and safeguard the future of public healthcare services in the city. The departure of experienced specialists not only threatens the quality of care but also raises concerns about the sustainability of healthcare for the community at large.

Commenting on the issue, Dr Sanjay Saxena, secretary of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Lucknow, said, "Private hospitals offer significantly higher salaries, performance bonuses, and additional benefits like housing and insurance. They also provide modern facilities, better equipment, and a supportive work environment, along with opportunities for career growth. Additionally, private institutions offer flexible work hours and specialised case handling, allowing doctors to focus on their specialties."