PNS | DEHRADUN
Although the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) at Gandhi Shatabdi Eye Hospital began its operations a few months ago, one out of two permanent paediatrician positions remains vacant. Notably, the SNCU ward recently started functioning and currently has six beds, with plans for future enhancements. To facilitate the effective operation of the SNCU, the hospital has engaged two MBBS-qualified doctors as well as 10 nurses through the National Health Mission (NHM). Further, six security guards and six medical attendants have been appointed to assist in its operations. Since the opening of the ward, one paediatrician has been hired but the second pediatrician’s position remains vacant due to unavoidable circumstances.
Informing about this, the medical superintendent at the hospital Dr VS Chauhan said that two paediatrician positions have been approved for the ward. Of these, one paediatrician post has been permanently filled since the ward began operations. However, the authorities have been unable to secure a second paediatrician for permanent placement. In light of this situation, several temporary measures have been implemented, which have resulted in no disturbance in providing the service to the patients. Currently, the NHM has appointed a paediatrician from the sub-district hospital in Mussoorie temporarily and which has been providing the service at the ward effectively, he said.
It will be recalled that prior to the commencement of operations in the SNCU ward, officials concerned had employed two paediatricians. However, the paediatricians, upon completion of the recruitment process, decided to resign from their positions before commencing work at the hospital due to a lower salary offer compared to what they could potentially earn at a private healthcare facility. This circumstance has led to challenges in securing replacements, ultimately resulting in a delay in the launch of the SNCU ward at the hospital.
