Staff shortage severely impacts health services in Mysuru district

Mysuru: A 40% staff shortage in state-run hospitals has severely impacted the delivery of healthcare services in Mysuru district. Of the 2,549 sanctioned posts across hospitals, only 1,462 have been filled.The delay in recruitment has been disrupting timely diagnosis and treatment. Despite the govt constructing several super-speciality hospitals in Mysuru and providing necessary infrastructure, including equipment under various schemes, many facilities remain underutilised due to a lack of trained staff.The district has state-run KR Hospital, Cheluvamba Hospital, a Trauma Care Centre, and super-speciality services such as nephrology, urology and endocrinology under the National Medical Commission. It also includes the govt-aided Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, along with children's, maternity, taluk- and district-level hospitals, community health centres and primary health centres.Apart from a shortage of doctors, specialists and paramedical staff, state-run hospitals are facing overcrowding and issues in drug supply due to population growth.The delay in recruitment of permanent staff and inadequate resource allocation are undermining service delivery in govt hospitals. Most hospitals are operating beyond their capacity, leading to delays in surgeries and increased pressure on emergency services.Non-availability of many essential drugs is forcing patients to purchase medicines from private pharmacies, increasing out-of-pocket expenditure. Most patients, who are poor and vulnerable, depend on govt hospitals for healthcare services. The implementation of National Health Mission activities has also been affected due to staff shortage.Against 880 sanctioned posts, only 817 have been filled, leaving 63 vacancies in the district. Rural hospitals face a shortage of 38 specialists, including dentists.Of the 296 sanctioned medical officer posts, only 258 are filled, leaving 38 vacant. Among 855 sanctioned paramedical staff posts, 689 are filled, with 166 vacancies. Of the 1,436 sanctioned D Group posts, only 553 are filled, leaving 883 vacant across the district.The delay in filling D Group posts has crippled field-level activities of the health department.Speaking to TOI, district health officer Dr PC Kumaraswamy said that despite the shortage, the department is ensuring healthcare delivery using available medical and paramedical staff without affecting service delivery to the public.