Malkangiri District Headquarters Hospital crippled by acute doctor shortage despite new modern facility

Malkangiri district is facing a grim healthcare situation despite having a newly built seven-storey district headquarters hospital equipped with modern medical facilities. Constructed at a cost of Rs 7 crore to provide advanced healthcare to over six lakh people in the district, the hospital was envisioned as a lifeline not only for Malkangiri but also for patients from neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

While the infrastructure and medical equipment are in place, the hospital is crippled by an acute shortage of doctors. Out of 56 sanctioned specialist posts, only 14 are currently filled. Crucial services like emergency care remain non-functional due to the absence of anaesthesiologists. Similarly, pediatricians, orthopaedic surgeons, and gynaecologists are far fewer than required, leaving patients in distress.

Across the district, 382 doctor positions have been sanctioned, but only 144 are serving. The shortage extends to paramedical staff as well, with just 120 employed against a requirement of 350.

Every day, hundreds of patients rely on the district hospital, yet the lack of sufficient medical personnel continues to disrupt essential healthcare services, forcing many to remain untreated or travel long distances for critical care. 

"People of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh rely on the hospital for treatment. However, due to the absence of anaesthesiologists, specialist doctors are not able to carry out surgeries. The doctors are forced to refer patients from Malkangiri to Koraput. Moreover, the patients are referred to other places as many doctors are not available in Koraput as well," said Rakakrushna Choudhury, a local resident.

"The seven-storey district headquarters hospital is only shining with colour. However, patients suffering from even minor diseases are not treated properly. They are often referred to other places like Vizag, Berhampur and Cuttack," said Achyutananda Jena, relative of a patient.

The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) of Malkangiri, Brajabandhu Dash, has admitted to a severe shortage of doctors at the district headquarters hospital. He stated that repeated representations have been made to the government regarding the issue.

CDMO Dash also said that if the required number of doctors is appointed, better healthcare services can be provided to the people of the district. He further warned that without adequate staffing, patients in the coming days may face greater hardships.

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The CDMO stressed that the government must take immediate steps to fill the vacant doctor posts to ensure proper medical care for the residents of Malkangiri.

"We are informing about vacant positions to the government every month, and some postings are being made. The government has ordered the PG holders for specialist duties. As many as four doctors have recently joined," said Malkangiri CDMO Brajabandhu Dash.