The Tribune Impact: Panel takes note of staff crunch at Chandigarh's GMCH-32

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 30

The Punjab State & Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission has taken a suo motu cognisance of the nursing staff shortage at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, after The Tribune reported the glaring vacancy figures, hampering the healthcare services.

The commission, comprising Chairperson Justice Sant Parkash and Member Justice Gurbir Singh, has sought detailed reports from the Director-Principal of the GMCH-32 and the Director of Health Services, UT. Both have been directed to submit their responses at least a week before the next hearing on August 29.

The commission’s action comes in response to the news report, highlighting that 383 out of 1,161 sanctioned nursing posts at the GMCH-32 remain vacant, significantly straining service delivery and increasing pressure on the existing staff.

The panel has also instructed that a copy of the report and the article be formally sent to the UT Chief Secretary for information. Orders have been communicated both via email and post to ensure compliance.

While the Administration claims that recruitment for 324 positions is currently underway, the commission’s intervention adds pressure on the authorities to act swiftly and transparently to resolve what it has acknowledged as a human rights concern, affecting both patients and overburdened healthcare staff.