Bengaluru: Despite improvements in drug availability, govt-run hospitals continue to reel under severe staff shortages, raising concerns about the state’s healthcare infrastructure. Acute vacancies — across levels — of healthcare staff have hampered operations, with officials blaming procedural delays and budget constraints for recruitments coming to a standstill.
The health and family welfare department currently operates with just 53per cent of its sanctioned workforce. Of 74,799 sanctioned posts, 35,196 remain vacant — a scenario that has shown little progress since 2023-24 when the present govt took charge. Key positions, especially in emergency care, remain unfilled.
A recent department circular revealed that 465 of 706 casualty medical officer (CMO) posts are vacant, resulting in a 69per cent shortage of emergency doctors. This deficiency often forces hospitals to turn away patients requiring urgent care.
“While the absence of emergency doctors is a critical issue, the lack of nurses and support staff in Group C and D categories is an even graver problem. Our repeated pleas to at least fill 50per cent of these vacancies have gone unheard,” said BK Giri Gowda, working president, Karnataka Health Department Employees Central Association.
To address the issue, the department recently submitted a proposal to fill existing vacancies, including those for CMO positions. However, the finance department has approved only a fraction — 1,205 of 3,927 primary healthcare officer (PHCO) posts and 300 of 2,990 health inspecting officer (HIO) posts — leaving a significant gap.
Chief minister Siddaramaiah, during a review meeting earlier this month, expressed concern over the slow recruitment process and directed officials to expedite hiring for positions cleared by the finance department. However, progress remains sluggish, with officials citing a lack of enthusiasm among applicants due to the preference for contract-based hiring over permanent appointments.
“This is why we urge the govt to opt for regular appointments,” Gowda said. “This will not only ensure job security and better pay but also foster greater responsibility among employees. Outsourced staff often lack the seriousness required for these critical roles.”
Dr Savitha C, medical superintendent of Vani Vilas Hospital, highlighted a 45per cent staff shortage at her institution, particularly among specialised doctors and nurses. “We have submitted proposals to fill these vacancies,” she said. However, on the brighter side, she noted significant improvements in drug availability: “All required drugs are now available, and we are no longer issuing prescriptions for external purchase.”
Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao echoed her sentiments, saying, “The issue of drug supply has been largely resolved with 70per cent of medicines provided by the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation. Hospitals have been authorised to procure the rest locally.”
On staff recruitment, Rao said, “We are working to fill vacancies approved by the finance department and pursuing clearance for others to ensure adequate staffing across hospitals.”
