Amid poor healthcare allegations, over 500 doctors get appointment in Odisha

While the allegations of healthcare services being in a shambles continue to come to the fore at regular intervals, a total of 510 doctors got appointment in the State on Friday.

As many as 358 allopathic medical officers, 116 homoeopathic medical officers and 36 homoeopathic lecturers today joined the Health and Family Welfare Department, informed Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Odisha.

An orientation programme was organised for the new recruits at convention centre in the Lok Seva Bhawan today. Congratulating the new recruits virtually, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik called upon them to make their profession a mission for Sustha Odisha – Sukhi Odisha. 

The CM said the size of the budget of the Health Department is increasing over the years. The budget provision during the financial year, 2019-20 was more than Rs 6,800 crore which has been increased to more than Rs 12,000 crore in the year 2022-23. This is more than six per cent of the State Plan, he emphasised.

On the occasion, Health Minister Naba Das asked the doctors to work with commitment and dedication while Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra said people in rural areas have high expectations from doctors and urged the healthcare professionals to work to live up to the expectations.

On the other hand, the State continues to witness reports of patients being carried on cots and slings and ambulance not reaching patients due to lack of motorable roads. Besides, allegations of deaths due to medical negligence have also become a matter of concern for the State.