PUNE: Representatives of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff who are holding temporary posts have now urged the government to ensure service contracts are extended as part of preparations for a possible second Covid wave.
Many of these contracts are set to expire between December and January.
The health department currently has a staff shortfall of at least 30%.
A state health department official said while the Covid crisis helped fill temporary posts, there are about 250 permanent posts lying vacant.
“Manpower shortage has been an issue for several years. There are many regions that still don’t have district health officers. Even posts of deans have not been filled,” said a senior official.
During the Covid emergency, jobs in data-entry and other sections were immediately outsourced. “Even these contracts are set to expire. The government has to issue directives,” the official said.
State president of the Indian Medical Association, Avinash Bhondwe, who has received several requests from medical workers, said while many temporary positions were open for at least six months, there were other short-term jobs for which private medical practioners were asked to pitch in.
“Our members also responded to jobs that were only for a month or two. But there was no remuneration for such short periods. This needs to be addressed by the state government,” he said.
Others said doctors in temporary posts could be given extended service contracts considering the situation. “Cases may have reduced but the situation is not back to normal. The government needs to ensure each district has the required staff," a public health expert said.