Patliputra Medical College: Faculty recruitment drive for MCI compliance

The Patliputra Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) authorities got into the immediate task of appointing teachers for the institution, after having received a recent Medical Council of India(MCI), inspection observation, which took them by surprise.

A recruitment notification on Monday for junior doctors was issued by the Patliputra Medical College. The state health, medical education, and family welfare department had earlier on February 6 called candidates for recruitment to the 35 senior resident posts. Till now only 4 vacant positions have been filled including two in response

In an effort to overcome the paucity of professors, associate professors are being given promotions.

With a 60 percent shortage of professors, 20 percent shortage of associate professors, 70 percent shortage of assistant professors, 43 percent shortage of tutors and senior residents each and 87 percent shortage of junior residents, the college is in immediate need of staffing to meet MCI compliances.

Explaining faculty crunch, Dr Kamshwar Biswas, PMCH Superintendent informed Telegraph, "Many junior residents quit to join the NRHM schemes, while others left to pursue postgraduation."

However, contradicting the Superintendent’s statement, a former PMCH, Junior Resident, who is at present with Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences-Patna, said the remuneration of Rs. 41,000 offered by the college to junior residents as against the Rs 60,000 offered by other hospitals like RIMS (Rs 60,000), fails to lure candidates.

Principal, Dr Arun Kumar said, "The state Health, Medical Education, and Family Welfare Department had issued a notification for the appointment of seven tutors and senior residents on February 6 out of which four have joined the institute till date,"

PMCH sources told the Telegraph that vacant posts needed to be filled up with immediate effect as the MCI’s compliance period after the annual inspection would last for a month. If the lacunae continue to persist the course recognition stand at risk.