The Medical Council of India (MCI) has threatened to derecognise Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) if all vacant posts of doctors in the health hub are not filled up by February 2013.

At present, 70 posts of doctors out of a sanctioned strength of 110 are vacant.

SKMCH principal D.K. Sinha received a letter from the MCI in this direction on November 23. The council asked the hospital authorities to furnish a compliance report within two months. Expressing displeasure over the existing 60 per cent vacancies in the posts of doctors in the health hub, the MCI has acted tough following the submission of final report by three inspectors.

Three MCI inspectors — Arun Bhattacharya, Bal Krishna and Sheela Mahapatra — made an on-the-spot inspection of the hospital on August 25 this year, following which they submitted the report.

The SKMCH principal has sent an urgent message to the health department, urging it to take necessary action to fill up the posts. “I have once again requested the principal secretary of the health department, Vyasji, to initiate necessary formalities to fill up the posts of doctors,” Sinha said.

The MCI has said it would call an executive body meeting in February next year to derecognise the hospital if the health department did not fill up the vacant seats of doctors by then. SKMCH superintendent G.K. Thakur said: “The MCI carried out inspection at SKMCH five times in nine years, but there was never a threat of de-recognition. This time, the council looks menacing.”

He added: “Other shortcomings regarding infrastructure and facilities, as pointed out by MCI, have been addressed. The delay in filling up vacant posts of doctors is a concern.”