SHILLONG: There is manpower crisis in the Department of Anaesthesiology at NEIGRIHMS as many senior resident doctors are on vacation.
In a letter addressed to the director of NEIGHRIMS, Head of Department (HOD) of Anaesthesiology Dr Md Yunus said the department is now running with only three senior resident doctors, which is less than one-third of the sanctioned strength of 12. This has led to a crisis where it is difficult to perform peri-operative (emergency 24 hours, ICU and routine elective operation theatre) with only three senior doctors.
Yunus pointed out that NEIGHRIMS has not admitted doctors into the academic course (MD Anaesthesia), thereby leading to shortage of workforce. He stated that resident doctors are the backbone of the department and provide smooth patient care services both emergency and elective which are imperative in an institution like NEIGHRIMS. In the absence of post-graduate doctors and shortage of senior residents, the faculty with the exception of the HoD is compelled to work with junior resident doctors or single-handedly to provide anaesthesia services in the operation theatre for peri-operative care as well as providing anaesthesia outside the OT.
There were allegations that despite repeated communication with the director on November 19 and 26, 2018, on the manpower shortage issue, no steps have been taken to address the matter. Yunus said this might lead to withdrawal of part of the services and affect patient safety. The department might have to give priority only to imminent emergency services.
However, when asked about the “crisis”, the public relations officer at NEIGRIHMS clarified that it is not new and every year half of the faculty members go on leave at this time and it is a “temporary” situation. He also added that the operation theatre is being renovated and so priority is being given to emergency cases.
