In a concerning development, government medical colleges and hospitals in Bihar are grappling with a shortage of teaching staff, particularly associate professors. Among the state’s 10 medical colleges, only 14.47% of associate professor positions are filled, leaving a staggering 85.53% vacant. Currently, 60% of regular teaching positions, including professor, associate professor, and assistant professor roles, remain unfilled.
New Medical Colleges Struggle with Physician Availability
Adding to the dilemma, the government’s decision to increase the retirement age for medical faculty from 58 to 60, then to 62, 65, and finally 67 years has compounded the issue. With 13 new medical colleges in the pipeline, there are concerns about the availability of physicians for these institutions.
236 Professor Positions Vacant, Constituting 45% of Approved Positions
The prominent medical colleges in Bihar, including PMCH Patna, NMCH Nalanda, SKMCH Muzaffarpur, DMCH Darbhanga, ANMCH Gaya, JLNMC Bhagalpur, and others, have approved a total of 431 professor positions. However, a significant 236 professor positions, accounting for 45%, remain vacant.
85% of Associate Professor Positions Unfilled
Similarly, out of the approved 890 associate professor positions, 760 positions are vacant across the 10 medical colleges. The shortage is most acute for associate professors, with 85% of the positions unfilled. Additionally, 1630 assistant professor positions have been approved, with only 628 currently filled.
61% of Assistant Professor Positions Remain Vacant
A substantial 61% of assistant professor positions are currently vacant. The government’s attempt to fill these positions faces challenges, as appointed assistant professors must serve for six years before being eligible for promotion to associate professor and another six years before reaching the professor rank.
Reinstatement Option Open to Address the Crisis
Considering the shortage of medical faculty and qualifications, the National Medical Commission has notified the Medical Colleges (Appointment and Qualifications of Academic Staff) Regulations 2022. This allows medical colleges to extend the services of medical superintendents, deans, directors, or principals or reappoint them.
Possible Increase in MBBS Seats and Opening of 45 New Medical Colleges in Bihar This Year
In a potential solution to the crisis, Bihar may witness an increase in MBBS seats and the opening of 45 new medical colleges this year. The move aims to address the growing demand for medical education and healthcare services.
Retirement Age for Doctors in Assam Extended to 70 Years
Meanwhile, in Assam, the state government has extended the retirement age for doctors to 70 years, aligning with efforts to retain experienced medical professionals in service. This decision applies to professors, associate professors, and assistant professors in medical colleges and hospitals.
Overall, the shortage of teaching staff in Bihar’s medical colleges poses a significant challenge, necessitating prompt and strategic interventions to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare and medical education.
