Government super speciality hospital has only 50 per cent of staff nurses

When the hospital started, only 150 nurses were allotted. “The number was too less compared to the size of the hospital. Besides, a 30 nurses are always on leave. As they are mostly graduates, many take leave to get married or on a maternity break,” the official added.

The official said graduates opt for this hospital to be associated with a reputed government organisation. “We have heard of nurses paying hospitals in their respective districts for an immediate transfer. According to government rules, a nurse should be relieved only after a replacement is found. However, hospitals demand they be relieved immediately,” he added.

Also, there are only 15 senior nurses here. “It is called a Multi Super Speciality Hospital, but many a times, one nurse is in charge of three wards. On one occasion, a patient going to the toilet collapsed,” another official said. A a nurse at the hospital said, “I have not taken leave for six months. The pressure is immense.” Hospital management officials said that most nurses also lack ICU training. “Patients have been asked to return for lack of sufficient beds,” another official said.

Dr P Umanath, Director of the Hospital said, “There are few vacancies but sanctioned posts are decided by the government. We have requested the DME to increase number of posts.”

Dr Anand Kumar, Nodal Officer of the Hospital, claimed that the shortage is not alarming. “As compared to other hospitals, our In-Patient strength is very less (270 to 280 patients). Even though it is a 400-bedded institute, the number is manageable. 

It is true that it may not conform to MCI’s norms – which would require the hospital to have at least 75 to 100 more nurses but it has been working for us.” J Radhakrishnan, Health Secretary, said, “Depending on the case load and based on the norms, there is a shortage of nurses at the hospital. However, the government is actively working with the DME to get proposals for additional staff nurses based on requirement.”