Patiala: There are no takers for the post of super-specialist doctors in Punjab as no one has applied for the vacancies advertised by the state health department in late October. Last date of submission of applications was November 19.
The department of medical education and research (DMER) had advertised six posts of assistant professors, including five converted from the promotion quota (PQ) to direct quota (DQ) and one under DQ for government medical colleges in Patiala and Amritsar. These posts were advertised on October 29 and the last date of filing application was November 19.
The DMER had advertised the posts of assistant professors that were converted into DQ category, including one each in neurology, endocrinology and cardiology as reserved for scheduled castes and two posts of nephrology, including one reserved. One DC post of nephrology, which was lying vacant, was also advertised.
Under the selection criteria, 10 marks were supposed to be given for MBBS and 10 for MD/MS, DM/M.Ch with deduction of two marks for each failure attempt to be given in the remarks to each candidate. Also, 20 marks were earmarked for international and national publications; 10 for additional qualification, including fellowship or membership of Royal colleges and others besides 50 marks for interview by the selection committee.
To meet eligibility criteria, minimum of 25% academic marks and 50% interview marks were required. For SC candidates, 5% relaxation for academics and interview marks was made.
The super-specialty branch at Government Rajindra hospital, Patiala, which was inaugurated over one year ago, is yet to be fully operational. A number of departments, including cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, nephrology, oncology, neurosurgery, gastroenterology, and others do not have any super-specialist doctor.
Director, medical education and research Dr Avinash said he would check but did not respond later. DMER joint director Akashdeep Aggarwal said, “So far, no applications have been received for the posts.”