Kochi: Seven months after the State Cabinet approved super-speciality doctor posts at Ernakulam Government Medical College (EMC) not even one person has been appointed severely denting the studies of PG students as well as patient care there. The Cabinet had approved 108 posts for EMC in May, and several posts were filled including that of nurses, nursing superintendent and speciality doctors.
But for reasons best known to authorities and not even known to the principal, the super speciality posts remain vacant. Three posts were filled in forensic medicine and four doctors appointed in gynaecology after May. Of this, one post of professor in both departments was newly created.
One post of professor and two assistant professors in neurology and one professor, one associate professor and two assistant professors each in nephrology and cardiology were approved by the Cabinet.
“I have no knowledge why the posts have not been filled. Both students and patients have to struggle on account of this. PG students in medicine still go to Kozhikode and Kottayam medical colleges for their training while patients are referred to Thrissur and Kottayam medical colleges for super speciality care,” Dr V. K. Sreekala, principal, EMC, said.
“Equipment for super speciality available at EMC now go unutilised. Dialysis machines are available, but there is no nephrologist. Surgical instruments for even plastic surgery too are available, but there is no plastic surgeon. All equipment for urology procedures are available but there is no urologist and cath lab is under construction, but there is no cardiologist. Such a fate should not visit a medical college!,” said Dr N. K. Sanil Kumar, leader of Justice V R Krishna Iyer Movement that is taking up social and health sector issues.
“Though a super speciality block is planned as part of the master plan of EMC, its construction will take a long time. So the urgent needs can’t wait. The neighbouring cancer institute also banks on EMC. Patients undergoing chemotherapy too need care. The authorities including the health secretary and director of medical education should urgently intervene to solve the issue.”
