On Doctor’s Day, health minister says will fill vacancies
PATIALA: On Doctor’s Day, Punjab health and family welfare minister Brahm Mohindra said that the government would work to fill vacancies in government-run hospitals across the state. At least 35% of sanctioned posts of MBBS doctors, specialists (MDs) and para-medical staff are vacant in such institutions across the state.
Addressing a gathering at the Government Medical College on Saturday, the minister said, “Vacant posts of medical fraternity including doctors and paramedical staff will be filled to improve health facilities in government hospitals.”
He added the recruitment would start in “coming months” and the government will also focus on overhaul of existing equipment and infrastructure.
“The government will soon release Rs 20 crore to the Rajindra Medical College and Hospital. The hospital has also been given Rs 100 crore in the government’s first budget,” he added, also appealing to the medical fraternity to maintain the sanctity of the relationship.
Mohindra claimed that the previous SAD-BJP regime purchased foreign-made expensive equipment without thought and without consulting doctors. “Most machinery purchased and installed in the hospitals and medical colleges during that time has been lying unused till date as there is no technicians available to run these advanced equipment,” said Mohindra, adding that an inquiry was on in the purchase of expensive advanced medical equipment by the previous regime.
Vikas Pratap Singh, secretary medical education and research, said, “Doctors must help poor patients. The government is committed to meeting demands of doctors.”
Five students — Sourav Arora, Mohit Duggal, Sukhdev Singh, Rahul Kumar and Jasmeet Singh — were handed over appreciation letters. A journal from the Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine and Technology was also released.