Mumbai’s public hospitals, run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), are facing a serious staff shortage. According to recent data, about 45 percent of the sanctioned posts in BMC hospitals are still vacant. This means nearly half the jobs meant for doctors, nurses, and other medical staff remain unfilled.
This shortage is putting a heavy burden on the existing hospital staff. Many doctors and nurses are working extra hours to handle the growing number of patients, especially in large hospitals like KEM, Sion, and Nair. With fewer hands to help, patient care often gets delayed, and the pressure on staff continues to grow.
Experts say that this problem has been building up for years. While the number of patients visiting public hospitals keeps increasing, new appointments have not kept pace. The recruitment process for healthcare positions is also slow, which makes it difficult to fill the empty posts quickly.
At the same time, contract workers in many hospitals have raised concerns about low pay and lack of job security. Some say that these conditions discourage people from joining or staying in public healthcare jobs. As a result, many skilled professionals prefer to work in private hospitals, where salaries and facilities are better.
The impact of this shortage is being felt most by ordinary citizens. BMC hospitals cater to lakhs of people, especially those who cannot afford private treatment. When departments are short-staffed, patients have to wait longer for consultations, surgeries, and test results. For many, this delay can make a big difference in recovery and treatment outcomes.
Several civic groups and health experts have urged the BMC to take quick action. They recommend speeding up the recruitment process, improving working conditions, and ensuring fair pay for staff. Strengthening Mumbai’s public health system, they say, is vital for the city’s growing population and for handling emergencies like disease outbreaks or disasters.
The BMC has acknowledged the issue and said that efforts are underway to fill the vacant posts. However, until these positions are filled, the daily struggle for both hospital staff and patients continues.
In a city known for its world-class medical facilities, the current shortage in public hospitals serves as a reminder that healthcare is not just about infrastructure but also about people who make it work.
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