91 per cent Nursing posts filled: PGI Chandigarh tells HC
Punjab and Haryana High Court
Chandigarh: The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh has informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that 91.3% of its sanctioned nursing posts are currently filled, countering recent media reports which claimed that nearly 60% of these positions were lying vacant, leading to overcrowding and strain on hospital services.
The High Court took serious note of a media report alleging that a significant number of nursing positions remained vacant. In response to the suo motu proceedings initiated on June 19, PGIMER submitted an official affidavit clarifying the current staffing situation across its nursing and hospital support cadres.
According to the affidavit, PGIMER stated that 91.3% of posts in the nursing cadre have been filled. It clarified that while 194 posts for senior nursing officers remain vacant, these are under litigation, and appointments will be made based on the court’s decision. The institute also noted that in other nursing categories—such as assistant nursing superintendent, deputy nursing superintendent, nursing officer, and public health nursing officer—only 8.5% of posts are vacant. These gaps are attributed to recent resignations and a lack of eligible candidates in the feeder cadre.
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It further added that the sanctioned strength of hospital attendants is 519, out of which 191 posts are filled up and 328 are vacant. Out of 328 regular positions, 121 posts have been filled with housekeeping workers, reports Hindustan Times.
PGIMER stated that efforts are underway to fill the remaining 207 vacant hospital attendant posts at the earliest. In an effort to manage essential non-clinical services, PGIMER has also outsourced its housekeeping operations. The current private contractor has deployed 1,093 housekeeping workers, including 124 relievers, to support the hospital’s daily functioning.
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