TV
Healthcare services are in tatters in several hospitals in Odisha, thanks to a severe crunch of doctors, and a lack of modern medical equipment and other facilities. While the number of patients visiting the hospitals has increased manifold, the vacancy of doctors has become a matter of serious concern.
The glaring example is the condition of Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). As per reports, at least 62% of the doctors’ posts are lying vacant in the DHH. Out of the sanctioned 350 doctors and medical officers' posts, the hospital is functioning with only 134 now, reports said.
The plight is not just limited to Bhadrak DHH as the community health centers (CHC) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are also going through the same rough phase.
“Most of the doctors are busy working in private clinics forcing patients to go home empty-handed after standing in a long queue. Most importantly, brokers have become an epidemic here as they are taking patients to private hospitals promising better treatment. Moreover, most departments do not have doctors and many positions are lying vacant,” a local Rajendra Jena said.
Similarly, another local resident said, “Bhadrak is in urgent need of a medical college and hospital. However, our demands have been neglected for years. There is a need for the immediate appointment of doctors, the availability of beds, oxygen cylinders, and other equipment. There is not one or two, the Bhadrak DHH is crippled with several problems.”
Meanwhile, the situation is no different in Balasore District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). Out of the total sanctioned 166 doctor positions, the DHH is functioning with only 71. Similar is the condition of the 16 health centers in the district.
Healthcare services in the prestigious Fakir Mohan Medical College and Hospital (FMMCH) are also crippled due to lack of medical staff. Moreover, the absence of specialized doctors has seen instances of patients being referred to other hospitals.
Repeated demands for fulfillment of posts are yet to be addressed. Meanwhile, no comments could be obtained from senior officials over the matter.
