Surat: A 42-day wait for surgery at New Civil Hospital has spotlighted staffing gaps and limited specialist availability, with a patient’s complaint prompting intervention and raising concerns about access to timely public healthcare in Gujarat’s busiest govt hospital.A diamond broker from Surat raised concerns about staff shortages and lack of specialised doctors at New Civil Hospital (NCH) after being given a surgery appointment more than a month away. After his complaint, the hospital administration arranged an earlier date.Bharat Miyani, a resident of Ved Road, visited the hospital on June 12 for a preliminary examination. He was told he needed dental surgery and was given an appointment for July 24.Due to persistent pain, he returned to the hospital on Tuesday and approached the office of the medical superintendent seeking early treatment.“I was given an appointment after 42 days. Due to the unbearable pain, I approached the hospital again for early surgery. After the complaint, the hospital arranged an early appointment, but I found that such situations are created due to a staff shortage,” said Miyani.Miyani also wrote to the chief minister’s office, highlighting vacancies at NCH. Officials said at least three posts in the dental department are unfilled, with limited response from candidates for recruitment.Dr Parul Vadgama, in-charge medical superintendent, said, “After the complainant approached me, we arranged an early surgery for him. He required specialised treatment and we do not have those surgeons.”She added that dental surgeries are often conducted by visiting private practitioners on specific days. As most procedures are planned, patients are allotted dates based on the availability of slots. Hospital authorities said efforts are under way to address gaps in specialist staffing.
