Guwahati, Mar 16: The North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), a premier centrally-funded health institution of the North East, is far from running on its full strength and lacks financial planning.
Over 20 per cent of the sanctioned posts, mostly senior level, in the hospital have been lying vacant, according to a finding by a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare, which placed its report in the current session of the Parliament.
“A substantial total number of 401 vacancies (20.87% of the sanctioned strength) exist across all groups, particularly in critical Group A & B positions, which would severely impact the institute’s managerial and operational efficiency,” the Committee said.
The Committee strongly urged NEIGRIHMS to prioritise the filling up of vacant positions, on regular basis and not on contractual basis, in all Groups, by launching targeted recruitment drives and streamlining the hiring process.
The Committee also asked NEIGRIHMS to develop a clear strategy for optimal utilisation of allocated funds within the stipulated timeframes.
To meet its objectives, the NEIGRIHMS was asked by the Committee to prepare detailed project plans, timelines, and regular progress reports.
The Committee has found significant variations between budgeted estimates (BE) and revised estimates (RE) in both FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25 indicating potential issues with financial planning and execution; and the actual expenditure consistently falling below the revised estimates, raising concerns about the institute’s ability to utilize allocated funds effectively.
It recommended that NEIGRIHMS should formulate a robust financial planning, execute that with allocated fund within stipulated time under a monitoring system to minimize discrepancies between budgeted and revised estimates by regular reviews of financial performance, and ultimately, undertake proactive measures to address any potential shortfalls.
The Committee expressed the hope that once the institute develops a clear strategy for optimal utilization of allocated funds within the stipulated timeframes, the desirable outcome will automatically flow.
Underlining the issues related to project delays and operational challenges in NEIGRIHMS, the Committee pointed out that the Critical Care Block (CCB) project is facing significant delays attributed to a range of factors, including administrative hurdles, external disruptions, and logistical challenges, with the expected completion date pushed back by 1 year and 5 months.
Additionally, to mitigate further delays in the CCB project, the institute should establish a dedicated project management team with clear accountability and authority to closely monitor project progress, proactively address any emerging issues, and implement effective risk mitigation strategies, the Committee said.
It also urged NEIGRIHMS to implement a process re-engineering programme for hospital management.
