Bankura Hospital Grapples with Poll-Duty Staffing Crisis
In a development echoing recent concerns at Arambagh, the Bankura Sammilani Medical College & Hospital (BSMC&H) has become the latest healthcare institution to face a severe staff shortage due to election duties. The Election Commission (EC) has requisitioned 123 staff members for poll-related work, sparking fears of significant disruptions to patient care services.
Key Personnel Affected by Requisition
Among those called up are 32 medical technologists, including laboratory and operation theatre technicians, and 55 general duty attendants who play crucial roles in assisting doctors and patients across wards, emergency units, and operation theatres. Additionally, several hospital karmabandhus, responsible for maintaining cleanliness in wards and premises, are also on the list. Unlike the Arambagh case, no doctors have been requisitioned so far, but hospital authorities warn that the loss of such a large workforce could severely impact daily operations.
Hospital Authorities Seek Urgent Resolution
Arpan Goswami, the MSVP of BSMC&H, expressed concern over the situation, stating, "While the election must be conducted, requiring manpower for poll duty, we also need to ensure that patient care services are not disrupted due to the absence of a sizable hospital workforce. We will be meeting the district magistrate tomorrow to work on an amicable solution." Officials have scheduled a meeting with the Bankura district magistrate on Monday to discuss potential compromises and mitigate the impact on healthcare services.
Routine Practice or Unprecedented Move?
Health department sources noted that while manpower requisition during elections is a routine practice, it typically involves administrative staff such as clerks and accountants, rather than frontline hospital workers. This shift towards requisitioning key medical personnel has raised alarms about the prioritization of electoral processes over essential healthcare needs. The situation highlights a growing tension between election logistics and public health infrastructure in the region.
As the hospital braces for potential service disruptions, the outcome of the upcoming meeting with district authorities will be closely watched. The case underscores broader challenges in balancing democratic exercises with the uninterrupted delivery of critical healthcare services, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where medical resources are already stretched thin.
