MGM Hospital fills only 8 of 54 JR posts, doctor shortage persists
Pioneer News Service
Jamshedpur
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Medical College Hospital’s efforts to address its chronic shortage of doctors have suffered a setback after its latest recruitment drive for Junior Resident (non-academic) doctors drew a poor response. Against 54 advertised vacancies, only eight doctors were appointed, leaving 46 posts vacant and highlighting the continuing challenge of attracting medical professionals to government hospitals.
The recruitment process, conducted under the Health Department’s residency scheme, received only 12 applications. Following interviews held on Wednesday, four candidates were found ineligible, resulting in the appointment of just eight Junior Residents on one-year contractual terms.
In line with the recruitment policy, preference was given to candidates who had completed their MBBS from MGM Medical College. Four of the selected doctors have been posted to the Burn Unit, while the remaining four have been assigned to the Medicine Intensive Care Unit (ICU), two departments that have been under considerable strain due to staff shortages.
The low turnout has once again highlighted the difficulties government medical institutions face in recruiting doctors. Hospital authorities say the shortage has affected patient care, increased the workload on existing medical staff and placed additional pressure on emergency and critical care services.
MGM Medical College Hospital, the largest government referral hospital in the Kolhan region, caters to patients from East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharsawan and neighbouring districts. With hundreds of patients visiting daily for specialised treatment, emergency care and critical services, adequate staffing remains essential for maintaining quality healthcare. The shortage has also been a concern during National Medical Commission (NMC) inspections, where faculty strength and staffing are key evaluation criteria.
Hospital officials expressed hope that another recruitment drive would be launched soon to fill the remaining vacancies and strengthen the institution’s healthcare workforce.
Meanwhile, the Jharkhand government has initiated disciplinary proceedings against 12 Assistant Professors appointed to government medical colleges who failed to join their assigned posts despite receiving appointment letters. The Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare has directed them to submit explanations by July 28, 2026, warning that failure to do so will result in immediate cancellation of their appointments.
Among those named is Dr. Rohit, appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Dental Department at MGM Medical College Hospital, who has reportedly not joined duty despite being posted.
