Faculty Vacancies at AIIMS: A Growing Concern

Extent of the Shortage

Recent data obtained through RTI applications indicate that nearly 40 percent of sanctioned faculty positions across 11 AIIMS institutions remain unfilled. This shortage poses significant challenges as the patient load increases in these premier public hospitals, according to a report by The Times of India (TOI). Specifically, 1,600 out of 4,099 faculty positions are currently vacant, raising alarms about the potential impact on patient care, specialist services, and medical education.

Vacancies Across AIIMS Institutions

The faculty shortage is evident not only in the older, established AIIMS but also in newer institutions. For instance, at AIIMS Delhi, the largest and oldest AIIMS in India, 524 out of 1,306 sanctioned faculty posts are vacant. Key departments such as medicine, surgery, anaesthesia, paediatrics, neurology, oncology, and emergency care are particularly affected.

Vacancy Statistics by AIIMS

Several newer AIIMS are experiencing even more severe shortages. AIIMS Jodhpur has the highest vacancy rate, with 46.7% (189 out of 405) of its faculty positions unfilled. AIIMS Gorakhpur follows closely with 45.5% vacancies, while AIIMS Jammu reports a 44.3% shortfall. AIIMS Kalyani and AIIMS Bilaspur also face similar challenges, with more than 40% of their faculty positions vacant. AIIMS Nagpur has a 36.7% vacancy rate, with 137 out of 373 positions unoccupied. Other institutes report comparatively lower vacancies, including AIIMS Bathinda at 37.4%, AIIMS Raipur at 34.8%, AIIMS Bhubaneswar at 26%, and AIIMS Bhopal at 25.6%.

Response from AIIMS Management

In light of the faculty shortages, Rima Dada, media cell in-charge at AIIMS Delhi, has stated that efforts to recruit new faculty are ongoing. “Interviews are underway, and the process of filling vacant posts is being carried out regularly,” she explained.

Impact on Healthcare Services

Health experts emphasize that prolonged faculty shortages at teaching hospitals can adversely affect outpatient services, surgical schedules, ICU supervision, and the training of both undergraduate and postgraduate medical students. Senior faculty often find themselves balancing clinical, academic, and administrative responsibilities, further complicating the situation.