MUHS report highlights severe staff shortage despite expansion of medical institutions.
In 2023, ten new government medical colleges were launched across various districts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, increasing the total number of state-run medical colleges to 35. However, a recent investigation by the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) has revealed a worrying trend — a severe shortage of teaching faculty across many of these institutions. Some colleges have up to 54% of teaching posts lying vacant, raising concerns about the quality of education being provided to medical students.
The MUHS report for the academic year 2024-25 highlights the current state of government medical colleges in the state. According to the report, most of these colleges are facing a significant faculty crunch. However, a senior DMER official informed that recruitment for 47 professor positions is currently underway through the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC), which has already issued advertisements for the same.
Colleges with Highest Vacancy Rates:
The MUHS report highlights the following vacancy percentages in newly established colleges:
- Ratnagiri – 12%
- Parbhani – 34%
- Satara – 40%
- Sindhudurg – 44%
- Gondia – 44%
- Alibaug – 45%
- Chandrapur – 47%
- Jalgaon – 50%
- Dharashiv (Osmanabad) – 54%
- Nandurbar – 54%
Meanwhile, colleges in Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Nanded, Kolhapur, and Latur were found to have comparatively better staffing, though not entirely free of shortages.
200 Doctors and Professors on Temporary Deputation
To meet the norms set by the National Medical Commission (NMC), particularly regarding minimum faculty strength, over 200 doctors and professors have been temporarily deputed from established colleges to newly launched institutions. For example:
- 56 doctors from JJ Hospital were sent to GT-KEM Medical College in Mumbai.
- 3 doctors from Dhule and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar were transferred to Nashik.
- 17 doctors from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Sindhudurg were sent to Hingoil.
- Additional doctors were also deputed as follows:
- Jalna – 16 doctors
- Ambernath – 12
- Amravati – 24
- Bhandara – 23
- Washim – 14
- Gadchiroli – 12
- Buldhana – 13
While the creation of new medical colleges is a significant step toward strengthening the healthcare infrastructure, the lack of permanent faculty raises concerns over sustainability and the quality of medical education in Maharashtra’s public institutions.
