Sun May 25 13:52:25 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Directorate of Medical Education (DME) in Kozhikode, India, is planning to outsource 150 staff positions for the newly inaugurated surgical super-speciality block at the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH). This decision follows a recent incident where a minor explosion highlighted staff shortages. While the government cites the urgency of making the block functional as the reason, hospital staff unions are criticizing the move, demanding permanent appointments instead. They argue that a Public Service Commission rank list for nursing officers is already in place and outsourcing will overburden existing staff and affect patient care. The unions are considering legal action to challenge the outsourcing plan.
**News Article:**
**Kozhikode Hospital Faces Staffing Controversy as Outsourcing Plan Sparks Protest**
Kozhikode, India – May 25, 2025 – The Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) in Kozhikode is facing controversy over plans to outsource 150 staff positions at its newly opened surgical super-speciality block. The Directorate of Medical Education (DME) sanctioned the move, citing the “urgent need” to make the block fully operational, especially after a recent incident highlighted staffing deficiencies.
The outsourced positions include staff nurses, nursing assistants, hospital attendants, technicians, and other support staff. The government stated the decision to outsource was driven by the urgency to get the block up and running following a May 2nd incident in which a smoke engulfed the premises following a minor explosion in its UPS room.
However, the decision has been met with strong opposition from hospital staff unions. They argue that the outsourcing plan bypasses existing Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) rank lists for nursing officers and other positions. According to Sajith Cherandathur of the Kerala Government Nurses Union, a valid KPSC rank list is currently in place, and outsourcing the jobs would be unfair and unnecessary.
“The authorities are not creating new posts and appointing staff. The existing staff are being redeployed to manage the situation,” Cherandathur stated. “This is not only leading to additional workload for the staff, but is also affecting patient care. For example, one nursing staff member is now forced to attend to around 50 to 60 patients a day.”
The union is considering taking the matter to the Kerala High Court, seeking a ruling for the appointment of permanent staff instead of outsourced workers. They argue that permanent appointments would ensure better job security, training, and ultimately, improved patient care.
Hospital authorities were unavailable for comment on the matter. The controversy highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the use of outsourcing in essential public services, particularly within the healthcare sector.
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