Severe Shortage of Doctors and Nurses in Kerala’s Government Hospitals: CAG Report

An audit report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed a critical shortage of medical professionals in government healthcare facilities across Kerala, particularly in taluk hospitals, district general hospitals, and community health centres (CHCs). The report calls for immediate action to address the staffing crisis.

Shortage of Specialist Doctors Across Hospitals

The audit highlighted a significant shortfall of specialist doctors, especially in taluk hospitals. Key findings include unfilled positions for radiologists, pathologists, gynecologists, anesthetists, and dental surgeons. Alarmingly, none of the inspected CHCs had gynecologists, raising concerns about women’s healthcare in rural areas.

The district general hospitals were also found lacking specialists in microbiology and pathology, further straining healthcare delivery.

Family Health Centres Struggle to Meet Standards

Out of 32 family health centres inspected, only 12 had the required staff according to prescribed standards. Thirteen centres lacked lab technicians altogether, while others operated with minimal staff.

Nursing Staff Crisis Reaches Critical Levels

The report revealed an acute shortage of nursing staff. Neyyattinkara General Hospital, for instance, had only one nurse attending to 60 beds during the third shift, far below the recommended one nurse per six beds. In some hospitals, the nurse-to-bed ratio was as low as one nurse for 51 beds. Nurse shortages in some areas were as high as 73%, severely affecting patient care.

Staffing Issues in Medical Colleges

Medical colleges in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, and Manjeri also face staffing issues, with a 15.55% vacancy rate for doctors. Despite fulfilling the required number of positions, senior residents had not been appointed. At Manjeri, only 90 of the 150 required teaching staff positions were filled, creating challenges in medical education and patient care.

AYUSH Department and Paramedical Staff Shortages

The AYUSH department reported 183 vacant doctor positions, 112 vacant nurse positions, and 207 vacant paramedical staff positions. Additionally, 243 support staff roles remain unfilled, compounding the challenges.

Call for Action

The CAG report has recommended that the government take urgent steps to increase the number of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff in proportion to the population.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Dr. Sreelekshmi P/MSM)