‘Can’t run like NGOs’: Delhi Health Minister seeks report on staff shortage at govt hospitals

To address staff shortage, streamline healthcare administration, and enhance patient care, the Minster has sought details on staff strength, the number of personnel in each role, and the number of hospitals that each staff member is currently managing.

“Currently, Delhi government hospitals are facing a staff crunch and there is a shortage of senior officials such as heads of hospitals… One medical superintendent is managing three to four hospitals…If a doctor from Deen Dayal Hospital is travelling to a hospital in Jafrabad daily… spending three hours commuting, he won’t be able to perform his duty,” the Minister told The Indian Express.

“When I asked about this, the doctors said they are working to resolve the issue. There are 17 such places where one person is looking after two-three hospitals… There are two types of doctors — specialists and GDMOs (general duty medical officer)… a senior-level GDMO can become a medical superintendent and manage hospitals with 200 beds,” he said.

“The Health Minister has sought the report by Friday. “Following the submission of the reports, the department will start the hiring process to address this issue.”

Medical superintendents (MS) and medical directors (MD) are heads of the hospitals who undertake daily supervision rounds, attend to grievances of patients and staff, and inspect stocks of drugs and other essential items. They look after planning the development of the hospital and emergency decisions. They also ensure the OPD (outpatient department) registration counters are running smoothly.

Singh took charge as Health Minister, along with other portfolios, last week. Soon after, he directed the Special Secretary of the Health Department to submit a report on the AAP’s flagship mohalla clinics in a week. He directed that strict action should be taken if any corruption or loopholes are found.