A severe 40% staff shortage in state-run hospitals has significantly hampered healthcare delivery in Mysuru district. Out of 2,549 sanctioned posts across various hospitals, only 1,462 have been filled, leaving over 1,000 vacancies. This deficit has led to delays in diagnosis and treatment, despite the government constructing several super-specialty hospitals and providing necessary infrastructure and equipment under various schemes.
Impact on Healthcare Services
The shortage spans doctors, specialists, and paramedical staff, causing overcrowding and issues in drug supply due to population growth. Many facilities, including super-specialty services like nephrology, urology, and endocrinology under the National Medical Commission, remain underutilized because of a lack of trained personnel. The district is home to KR Hospital, Cheluvamba Hospital, a Trauma Care Centre, the government-aided Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, as well as children's, maternity, taluk- and district-level hospitals, community health centres, and primary health centres.
Recruitment Delays and Resource Allocation
The delay in recruiting permanent staff and inadequate resource allocation are undermining service delivery. Most hospitals operate beyond capacity, leading to delayed surgeries and increased pressure on emergency services. Non-availability of many essential drugs forces patients to purchase medicines from private pharmacies, raising out-of-pocket expenditure. The poor and vulnerable, who depend on government hospitals for healthcare, are most affected. The implementation of National Health Mission activities has also suffered due to staff shortages.
Detailed Vacancy Breakdown
Against 880 sanctioned posts, only 817 have been filled, leaving 63 vacancies. Rural hospitals face a shortage of 38 specialists, including dentists. Of the 296 sanctioned medical officer posts, only 258 are filled, leaving 38 vacant. Among 855 sanctioned paramedical staff posts, 689 are filled, with 166 vacancies. Of the 1,436 sanctioned D Group posts, only 553 are filled, leaving 883 vacant across the district. The delay in filling D Group posts has crippled field-level activities of the health department.
Official Response
Speaking to TOI, district health officer Dr PC Kumaraswamy said that despite the shortage, the department is ensuring healthcare delivery using available medical and paramedical staff without affecting service delivery to the public.
