Pavlov Hospital in Kolkata will add 200 beds and create 79 new staff positions to address shortages in mental-health treatment capacity, according to a report by Anandabazar – Kolkata published on October 13. The expansion will increase the hospital’s capacity from 250 beds to 450.
The hospital is described as a state-run centre of excellence for mental-health treatment. The additional beds are intended to help the facility manage patient pressure and reduce the existing shortage of accommodation for residents requiring care.
Alongside the bed expansion, the state health department has granted administrative approval for 79 new posts across several departments. The approved positions include three specialist medical officers, 65 staff nurses, five pharmacists, two storekeepers, two lower division clerks and two ambulance drivers.
The two ambulance-driver positions will be filled on a contractual basis, according to hospital authorities cited in the report. The remaining appointments are to be made in accordance with the applicable recruitment rules and procedures, following directions issued by the health department.
The staffing pattern places the largest emphasis on nursing capacity, with 65 new staff-nurse posts accounting for most of the approved positions. The sanctioned medical, pharmacy, administrative, stores and transport roles are intended to support the expanded hospital capacity and its day-to-day operations.
The decision comes as the hospital seeks to address inadequate bed availability and provide improved treatment services. The report did not specify the implementation schedule for the additional beds, the recruitment timeline for each post or whether construction or renovation work will be required before the expanded capacity becomes operational.
The recruitment process is also being closely linked to compliance with established rules. The health department has instructed that appointments must follow prevailing recruitment regulations. Hospital authorities have reportedly been warned to ensure that there are no irregularities in the appointment process, amid earlier allegations concerning recruitment practices in West Bengal’s public health sector.
The next steps will involve implementing the approved recruitment process and operationalising the additional beds in accordance with the health department’s instructions. Pavlov Hospital’s capacity will rise to 450 beds once the expansion is completed.
