Ernakulam Government Medical College super speciality positions continue to lie vacant

Kochi: Despite super speciality doctor posts at Ernakulam Government Medical College (GMC Ernakulam) having been sanctioned seven months ago, not a single appointment has been made.This has severely affected postgraduate studies of students,as well as, patient care at the college.

108 posts for GMC Ernakulam were sanctioned by the cabinet in May, and several posts were filled including those of nurses, nursing superintendent and speciality doctors.

However, the vacant super speciality posts in the college seemingly remain unknown to both the principal and the authorities. Meanwhile, four doctors were appointed in gynaecology and three posts were filled in forensic medicine after May; Of these, one post of professor in both the departments was newly created.

One professor, one associate professor and two assistant professors each in nephrology and cardiology and one post of professor and two assistant professors in neurology were given a nod of approval by the Cabinet.

“I have no knowledge why the posts have not been filled. Both students and patients have to struggle on account of this. PG students in medicine still go to Kozhikode and Kottayam medical colleges for their training while patients are referred to Thrissur and Kottayam medical colleges for super speciality care,” Dr V. K. Sreekala, Principal, GMC Ernakulam, told Deccan Chronicle.

“Equipment for super speciality available at GMC Ernakulam now go unutilised. Dialysis machines are available, but there is no nephrologist. Surgical instruments for even plastic surgery too are available, but there is no plastic surgeon. All equipment for urology procedures are available but there is no urologist and cath lab is under construction, but there is no cardiologist. Such a fate should not visit a medical college!,” said Dr N. K. Sanil Kumar, leader of Justice V R Krishna Iyer Movement that is taking up social and health sector issues.

“Though a super speciality block is planned as part of the master plan of GMC Ernakulam, its construction will take a long time. So the urgent needs can’t wait. The neighbouring cancer institute also banks on EMC. Patients undergoing chemotherapy too need care. The authorities including the health secretary and director of medical education should urgently intervene to solve the issue,” he further added to the Deccan Chronicle