Health Minister N.M.D. Farooq on Wednesday promised that as many as 874 vacant posts in Visakha Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) will be filled by March 2019.

Mr. Farooq, who made his maiden visit to the city after taking charge as Health Minister, addressed the media. Referring to the vacant posts at the VIMS, he said,  The government has already issued G.O. 224, approving the recruitments to 874 posts including that of doctors, consultants, non-medical administrators, paramedical staff such as physiotherapists, technicians, nursing staff, supporting Class – IV employees.

Monthly sanction

The Minister further said that a monthly sum of ₹39.74 crore would be sanctioned to the VIMS and the funds would be utilised to ensure smooth functioning of the hospital, payment of salaries to employees and other needs. Already, one monthly instalment has been released, he added.

 A number of departments in the VIMS are reeling under staff shortage and the issue will be sorted out. Moreover, the load of the King George Hospital (KGH) will be reduced considerably, if the VIMS functions full to its capacity,  the Minister said.

During his visit to the VIMS in the afternoon, Mr. Farooq interacted with the patients being treated under the NTR Vaidya Seva scheme and elicited feedback about the quality of healthcare services being offered at the hospital. He also discussed several pressing issues with the doctors.