Court pulls up AIIMS-N over pending vacancies

Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court on Wednesday expressed dissatisfaction over lack of visible improvement at AIIMS Nagpur, despite repeated submission of affidavits and data highlighting various issues. The court observed that merely furnishing information is insufficient and stressed the need for action, reprimanding the AIIMS administration.The HC bench of Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Raj Wakode was hearing a PIL, which the court had admitted after taking suo motu cognizance of newspaper reports about various issues ailing the AIIMS Nagpur.During the hearing, the persistent issue of vacant faculty positions at AIIMS Nagpur was once again highlighted. As per information obtained through the Right to Information Act, 137 out of 373 sanctioned professor posts remain vacant. The court was informed that this shortage is adversely affecting patient care, surgical services, intensive care units, and medical education.While central govt maintained that the proportion of vacancies at AIIMS Nagpur is lower compared to other AIIMS institutions, the court noted that no concrete action plan has been submitted to address the shortfall.It also sought a comprehensive report on infrastructure facilities. Addressing concerns over inadequate bed capacity, the court instructed central govt counsel to conduct an on-ground inspection and report the actual situation.Senior Adv Jugalkishor Gilda appeared as amicus curiae, assisted by Adv Shaunak Kothekar. Adv Mugdha Chandurkar represented the Centre.