the goan I network
PANAJI
The Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) is facing a dearth of 179 nursing staff in total. Of the total number of 722 posts sanctioned at Goa’s premier government hospital, only 543 posts are filled.
Of the two posts sanctioned for matron, there is currently just one matron working at the hospital, and of the four posts sanctioned for assistant matron, there are just three assistant matrons working. Further, of the 62 posts sanctioned for ‘ward sister’, just 54 nurses are in place, and of the 654 posts sanctioned for ‘staff nurse’, only 485 posts are filled at the GMC.
The Indian Nursing Council norms recommend that for every three patients, there should be at least one nurse. This ratio further differs for patients who are critical. However, at the GMC, each nurse has to look after at least 10 or more patients.
Said a nurse of the GMC talking to ‘The Goan’, “There is a problem with the system, as when a nurse retires, it takes very long for a new nurse to be employed, even though a new post opens up.” Further, the shortage of nurses means that the nurses on duty need to work well past their duty hours, and cannot provide undivided attention and care to their patients.
When contacted, Dean of the GMC, Dr Pradeep Naik informed that the GMC is already in the process of filling up the vacant posts. “We have already conducted a written test for nurses. The evaluation process is on, and a merit list is being prepared,” said the Dean, adding that new appointments would be made at the earliest.
