One of India's premier central government hospitals is grappling with a severe shortage of teaching staff, raising serious concerns about the quality of patient care and medical education. The crisis has been highlighted by a recent Right to Information (RTI) response.
RTI Data Reveals Deep Staffing Crisis
According to an RTI reply from the Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital administration dated December 27, 2025, a staggering 70 out of 398 sanctioned teaching posts are currently vacant. While the hospital has 365 faculty members in position, an uneven distribution has created significant internal imbalances. Some departments have excess staff, while others face persistent gaps.
The data shows that 346 posts are occupied by regular faculty and 19 by contractual faculty. However, 37 faculty members are posted in excess in certain departments, leaving critical specialties understaffed.
Critical Departments Bearing the Brunt
The shortages are most acute in core clinical disciplines essential for tertiary care. The situation is dire in several high-burden departments:
- Clinical Haematology: Functioning with 9 vacancies out of 11 sanctioned posts.
- Neurology: Short of 8 faculty members.
- Cardiology: Has 7 vacancies out of 12 posts.
- Neurosurgery: Operating with 5 vacant posts.
- Anaesthesia: Crucial for surgical services, has 6 vacancies.
Departments linked to advanced care are also impacted. Medical oncology has both its sanctioned posts vacant. Nuclear medicine has three vacancies, and urology has four. Similar shortages plague pathology, physiology, pulmonary medicine, endocrinology, and forensic medicine.
Hospital Response and Expert Warnings
Responding to the RTI findings, Sakshi Chhugh, the Public Relations Officer of VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, stated that interviews for 35 posts have been conducted. Appointments will be finalized as per recruitment procedures. She emphasized that the hospital ensures academic activities and patient care services remain uninterrupted.
However, health experts warn that sustained faculty shortages in major teaching hospitals like Safdarjung have direct consequences. They predict:
- Longer waiting times for patients.
- Heavier workloads for existing clinicians.
- Reduced teaching and supervision for medical students and trainees.
This staffing crisis at one of Delhi's largest and busiest public hospitals underscores the broader challenges facing India's public healthcare infrastructure, where resource distribution and recruitment delays can directly impact millions seeking care.
