Pic: The super speciality hospital attached to BMCRC, in BallariBallari: The Ballari Medical College and Research Centre (BMCRC), a prestigious institution in the state, is grappling with a severe shortage of staff. Out of 2,085 approved posts across Groups 'A' to 'D', only 389 positions are filled, leaving 1,696 vacancies. This shortfall hampers the centre's ability to deliver essential daily services.BMCRC, which comprises medical, nursing, and paramedical colleges, a trauma care centre, a TB centre, and a recently inaugurated super speciality hospital, treats over 2,000 outpatients each day. Patients hail from various districts of Kalyana Karnataka, including Ballari, as well as the border districts of Andhra Pradesh. The facility also provides a range of inpatient treatments, including surgery and childbirth.Despite its critical role, BMCRC faces significant challenges due to the extensive vacancies in departments such as education, medical services, and administration. The management struggles to maintain services with the limited staff available. Construction of the super speciality hospital, a project delayed for fifteen years, is nearing completion and is set to commence public services shortly. Currently, outpatient treatment facilities are operating on an experimental basis, with full functionality expected within three to four months. However, the lack of staff is putting its value into question.The BMCRC management board has been forced to manage treatment and educational responsibilities with the constrained workforce. Doctors and patients alike express dissatisfaction over the stagnant recruitment process. According to BMCRC director Dr Gangadhar Gowda, "The administration is currently functioning by hiring personnel on a recruited and outsourced basis." He assured that steps are being taken to ensure there are no interruptions in patient care.The last recruitment cycle at BMCRC occurred in 2011. Although plans to commence recruitment in June 2023 were announced, they have been postponed for unspecified reasons. A senior doctor, who preferred to remain anonymous, criticised the prolonged inaction, stating that the lack of appointments over the past fifteen years exemplifies the govt's neglect of the institution. Due to severe shortage of employees, BMCRC continues to struggle in achieving the level of service it should provide.