Jammu’s Dental Hospital Grapples with 100 Empty Positions

INDIA: The Government Dental College and Hospital in Jammu, Kashmir, have experienced a commendable financial upturn, amassing over Rs 1.1 crore in revenue over the past four years. However, this financial achievement stands in stark contrast to a significant staffing challenge plaguing the institute, with approximately 100 positions lying vacant within the hospital.

Revenue Growth in Recent Years

The hospital’s revenue trajectory, unveiled in response to a Right to Information (RTI) application by social activist MM Shuja, indicates a notable financial ascent. The fiscal year 2020-21 saw a revenue of Rs 8.14 lakhs, followed by Rs 24.96 lakhs in 2021-22, Rs 48.26 lakhs in 2022-23, and Rs 29.05 lakhs from April 2023 to October 2023.

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Despite the financial success, the hospital grapples with a substantial shortage of personnel. Presently, the hospital has a total of 119 doctors, with only 90 in position, leaving 29 positions vacant. 

The paramedical staff, with a total strength of 96, faces a more acute shortage, with only 40 positions filled and 56 lying vacant. Among the 57 non-gazetted posts, 29 are occupied, leaving 28 vacant.

Patient Statistics Reflect Increased Demand

The disclosed data not only sheds light on the hospital’s financial standing but also provides insights into the patient load over the past four years. In 2020-21, the hospital registered 4,307 new patients, along with 2,511 old patients and 159 inpatients. Subsequent years witnessed a substantial increase, with 8,165 new patients in 2021-22, 5,302 old patients, and 324 inpatients. 

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The figures continued to rise in 2022-23, reaching 13,156 registered patients, including 7,966 old patients and 372 inpatients. From April to October of the current year, the hospital registered 8,400 new patients, alongside 4,822 old patients and 175 inpatients.

As the Government Dental College and Hospital grapples with financial success on one hand and a severe staff shortage on the other, the situation calls for strategic interventions to ensure the sustained delivery of quality dental healthcare services in the region. The dual challenge of financial prosperity and staffing deficiencies raises questions about resource allocation and the broader management of healthcare institutions.