Odisha's rural healthcare services on the verge of collapse; Malkangiri, Rayagada worst sufferers

The existing healthcare facilities in numerous rural villages across Odisha are on the verge of collapse. Inadequate access to medical services has now emerged as a significant challenge for local residents, especially in remote areas of the state.

Areas like Chitrakonda in the Malkangiri district, along with regions such as Gunpur and Rairangpur in Rayagada and Mayurbhanj, are particularly affected by a severe shortage of doctors and lack of basic essential infrastructure.

In the Swabhiman Anchal of Chitrakonda, villagers from nine panchayats depend on the Janabai Primary Health Centre. The state of this lone medical facility is concerning, as villagers question whether their surroundings offer any hope for their ailments.

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The primary health centre is plagued by poor sanitary conditions, and difficulties are exacerbated during the monsoon season when water from the nearby Balimela reservoir inundates the centre, causing disruptions for both patients and medical staff.

Numerous complaints have surfaced about the scarcity of doctors and the inadequacy of basic amenities, leaving patients despondent. Residents convey that a well-established portable healthcare network, such as one envisaged for Bada Pada, could markedly enhance health outcomes.

“The health care unit gets inundated every year. The government had set up a portable health centre at Badapada, but it is yet to be made operational,” said Ratan Saha, a local resident.

Ayush Doctor, Surendra Sethi said, “We are providing treatment but we lack equipment and materials. It is for the last six months that the MBBS doctor is on training leave.”

The need for robust government intervention is urgent, with calls to swiftly address the shortage of healthcare professionals and infrastructure deficiencies.

In Mayurbhanj, the Guhaladangri primary health centre under Rairangpur block is burdened as it caters to the medical needs of  approximately 10,000 locals. However, the health centre suffers from inadequate resources and infrastructure.

The outpatient department (OPD) building is in a state of disrepair, forcing staff to utilise a community hall as a provisional OPD and storage for medicines.

The health centre operates with just one doctor, leaving it susceptible to various challenges. In the evenings, the lack of a secure boundary allows anti-social elements to congregate on the premises, adding to the residents' woes.

The hospital in Gunupur subdivision of Rayagada district faces its own difficulties. It primarily functions as a referral centre due to a chronic shortage of doctors and frequent managerial issues. Consequently, patients often have no choice but to travel to cities like Berhampur, Visakhapatnam, and Srikakulam for adequate treatment. 

The local MLA has assured to discuss these grievances with the appropriate minister and administrative officials in coming days.

“I had attended a meeting and there is shortage of doctors and other staff. I will discuss the matter with concerned minister and other officials to resolve such issues,”said  Gunpur MLA, Satyajit Gomango.