Sambalpur: The Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Science and Research (VIMSAR) here is haunted by doctor scarcity since its inception. There has been a steady exodus of doctors – both as physicians and faculty members. This is the third year of its existence as an autonomous medical institute.
VIMSAR is running with about 50 per cent of its permitted doctor strength. More than 44 doctors have been relieved of their duties without any replacement in the last one year. The process is yet to stop.
The state government has made an effort to check the exodus by creating a special cadre in the name of VIMSAR. The doctors who opt for their career there cannot be transferred to any other hospital. But a handful of doctors who have opted for this cadre are facing uncertainty due to a case in Odisha High Court.
The case pertains to the percentage of reservation to be implemented while appointing assistant professors in VIMSAR. Hence, there is no chance of any more appointments of assistant professors until and unless the institution gets clearance from the high court.
As a result, the newly appointed doctors opt for other cadres like the Odisha Medical Education Service (OMES) and the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC). The result: exodus of doctors from VIMSAR has become unstoppable.
Notably, the state government had advertised thrice to appoint fresh doctors at VIMSAR. One such ad in 2017 sought the appointment of 98 doctors on contract basis but only 41 were appointed. In another try to appoint 53 senior resident doctors, only 14 came in. The third bid to appoint 91 doctors got entangled in a judicial snarl.
