Doctor shortage at Thirvananthapuram Medical College's Surgical Gastroenterology unit sparks concern

Rumela De Sarkar

Doctor shortage at Thirvananthapuram Medical College's Surgical Gastroenterology unit sparks concern

Written By : Rumela De Sarkar Published On 2025-11-27T17:30:44+05:30 | Updated On 27 Nov 2025 5:30 PM IST

Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Department Strains Under Staff Shortage

Thiruvananthapuram: Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital is grappling with a shortage of doctors in its Surgical Gastroenterology Department, raising concerns about the department’s ability to assist with surgeries in the General Surgery Department.

Dr Ramesh Rajan, head of the Surgical Gastroenterology unit, highlighted the issue in a letter addressed to college principal Dr P.K. Jabbar, stating that the department is unable to spare doctors to assist with surgeries involving serious conditions such as pancreatitis and liver injuries due to the staff crunch. Hospital authorities, however, have downplayed the issue.

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Speaking to TNIE, an official of the hospital said, “The number of doctors is not optimal, but at no point has there been a denial of treatment. We have provisions to arrange alternatives. The principal has taken steps to recruit more staff and has reported the vacancies to the PSC”.

The official also noted that surgeons rarely require the help of a Surgical Gastroenterologist.

The current staff shortage is part of a broader pattern of challenges at the hospital, which have been highlighted in the past by senior doctors.

Also Read:Thiruvananthapuram Medical College courts Equipment Controversy after leading Urologist take to social media to point deficiencies

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that a social media post by a leading senior urologist disclosing a shortage of surgical equipment and delays in surgeries for months at the state-run Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital has gained widespread attention and landed him in an open fight against the health department, all for the sake of his patients. Dr Haris Chirakkal, Head of the Urology Department at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, shared a detailed Facebook post, which is now deleted, where he highlighted the grim situation at the hospital as he could no longer stay silent as a doctor.

Thiruvananthapuram Medical College HospitalSurgical Gastroenterologydoctor shortage

Rumela De Sarkar

With a keen interest in storytelling and a dedication to uncovering facts, Rumela De Sarkar joined Medical Dialogues as a Correspondent in 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of North Bengal. Rumela covers a wide range of healthcare topics, including medical news, policy updates, and developments related to doctors, hospitals, and medical education