Principal orders assessment of staff shortage at Alappuzha MCH

Kottayam: Amid ongoing controversies in the health department, an order was issued to identify staff shortages at the Alappuzha Govt Medical College Hospital. Alappuzha medical college principal Dr B Padmakumar gave this directive to various department heads. The principal also instructed that a report on this matter be submitted by Wednesday.Following the incident where a pair of forceps was found in a housewife's abdomen at Alappuzha MCH, former department head and accused in the case, Dr Lalithambika, raised the issue of staff shortages in the gynaecology department. However, the health minister had come forward denying these allegations. Now, a letter has been sent to department heads by the principal, as per the health department's directive, to address the staff shortage, validating Dr Lalithambika's claim. The main recommendation is to conduct a comprehensive human resources assessment, considering the needs of the hospital. Proposals for new positions must be submitted urgently by all department heads. Accurate data on existing permanent staff, contract employees, and those appointed through HDS must be collected. Proposals should be based on this data, identifying which departments urgently require new positions. This should be prepared in a specified format, clearly indicating financial liabilities and necessities. The principal also instructed department heads to pay special attention to urgent appointments in positions such as nursing assistants and grade attendants.