LUCKNOW, July 24 -- Despite having sanctioned posts and operational burn units, major government hospitals in the state capital continue to function without plastic surgeons, raising serious concerns over the government's inaction in filling critical vacancies. Hospitals like Balrampur and Rani Lakshmi Bai (RLB), which cater to hundreds of patients, have no plastic surgeon in place, forcing burn victims to seek treatment at overburdened tertiary centres like King George's Medical University (KGMU), Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), or turn to private hospitals. Chief medical officer (CMO) Dr NB Singh confirmed that posts exist but remain unfilled. "Two posts of plastic surgeons for RLB Hospital, two for Balrampur Hospital, and two for Civil Hospital are already sanctioned." Civil Hospital, with over 500 beds, is the only government-run facility among the three where a plastic surgeon, re-appointed post-retirement, is available, handling an average of 85 burn cases each month. Dr SK Srivastava, chief medical superintendent (CMS) of Civil Hospital, said the hospital has 46 beds for burn care and handles patients from across the city. Balrampur Hospital, with around 750 beds, and RLB Hospital, with 110 beds, continue to operate burn units without the necessary specialists. Dr Kavita Arya, director of Balrampur Hospital, said their 10-bed burn unit receives five to ten patients per month. "We have raised the demand for a plastic surgeon, but in the meantime, general surgeons manage the cases," she said RLB Hospital's CMS Dr Neelima Sonkar said their six-bed burn unit sees nearly 12 cases per month, and patients with severe burns are referred to other facilities after initial care. KGMU receives over 20 severe burn cases monthly, according to Dr KK Singh, media cell in-charge. Plastic surgeon Dr RP Singh, posted at Civil Hospital, said specialist care is essential for proper treatment. "A general surgeon can manage patients only for the initial 8-10 days. Plastic surgeons are needed especially for procedures like skin grafting," he said. Skin grafting involves surgically transplanting healthy skin to areas with skin loss due to burns or injuries. It plays a crucial role in recovery and preventing complications....