The state government has decided to create 35 medical officers’ posts in the central emergency ward of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) to lessen the health hub’s dependence on junior doctors for healthcare services.

The health department took the decision recently in the wake of the ongoing strike of PMCH junior doctors. About 600 postgraduate medical students provide clinical services in various departments.

PMCH principal Dr N.P. Yadav said a proposal to create the posts was being drafted and it would be ready soon.

“We have been feeling the need to have some dedicated doctors for running the hospital for a long time. The strike of the junior doctors hastened the decision. After all, junior doctors are supposed to provide partial clinical services and cannot be completely banked upon for treatment as they are under training,” said Yadav.

The government is contemplating to create 35 regular posts for the central emergency ward having six departments — medicine, surgery, orthopaedics, neurology, gynaecology and plastic and burn surgery. Of the 35 doctors, about 15 would be recruited in the medicine department, which has to handle maximum number of patients.

As creating the permanent posts could take some time, ad hoc arrangements could be made.

“These doctors could be either those waiting for posting or might be transferred from other districts. A final decision is yet to be taken,” Yadav said.

The health department could make similar appointments in the other wards later.