Chandigarh, Dec. 13 -- A severe and persistent staff crunch has brought Chandigarh's premier government healthcare institutions-the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH-32), and Government Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH-16)-to a near-crisis point.

The data on these alarming vacancies was presented in Parliament on Friday following questions raised by MP Manish Tewari, who also inquired about the delay in promotions, timelines for filling existing vacancies, and the proposal for creating additional posts.

The situation is gravely impacting patient care, with nurses at PGIMER's general wards forced to handle over 30 patients, a devastating contrast to the official...