8 doctor posts vacant, patients suffer at Narasinghpur Medical in Cuttack

Severe shortage of doctors has hit the Narasinghpur Medical facility in Cuttack district, leading to growing public resentment. According to reports, eight doctor posts and two pharmacist posts have remained vacant for a long time. Despite the rising number of patients every day, only one doctor is available on duty daily.

Although five doctors are officially posted at the medical centre, they reportedly perform duties in shifts, leaving patients with limited access to healthcare.

Due to this shortage, patients are often forced to wait long hours for treatment, causing widespread inconvenience and frustration. Locals allege that despite repeated complaints, the administration has failed to take any corrective measures so far.

Residents have urged the government to take immediate steps to fill the vacant posts to ensure smooth medical services in the region.

“For around 1.5L people, there is a health centre in Jorum, Narsinghpur CHC is there as referral hospital, and there is also a community health centre in Kanpur too. However, sadly, patients have to suffer due to the lack of enough doctors. Every day, 300-400 patients keep waiting from 7am to 12pm. There is only one doctor in the Narsinghpur CHC. Doctors who have been appointed here, at least 5-6 of them, out of the 12 total posts, are not staying here,” alleged a local.

When contacted, Dr. Alok Mahalik of the CHC said, “At least 250-300 patients come here every day. Now, we have four doctors, and there is a gynaec specialist. We are managing it shift-wise. Currently, we have 2 pharmacists. We need at least three for the morning, evening & night shift. Likewise, there should have been at least 12 doctors, with 6 at a minimum. Out of the 6, two of them should have been female and four males. However, now we are just four doctors here.”