Lucknow, Nov. 1 -- The prosthetic and orthotic unit of KGMU's physical medicine and rehabilitation department (DPMR) is facing an acute shortage of skilled manpower.

During a visit to the department, which functions in the Rehabilitation and Artificial Limb Centre building, on Thursday, this reporter found that the unit was operating with just one permanent employee. Eight other permanent posts-which are of senior prosthetist, prosthetic master, prosthetic supervisor, orthotic supervisor, leather supervisor and workshop supervisor-have not been filled for years, forcing the centre to depend on ad hoc staff, officials said.

"Since the last retirement in 2019, no new permanent technical staff have been recruited," said a senior KGMU offic...