TV
Healthcare infrastructure at Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH) is under severe stress, with critical patients being allegedly left without proper treatment. The hospital is reportedly grappling with a shortage of doctors and allegedly lacks even a single functional ICU bed, leading to serious difficulties for patients in need of emergency care.
With just 58 doctors against 138 sanctioned posts and no specialists available, the hospital is allegedly unable to handle serious cases. Patients from Sundargarh and neighbouring Jharkhand, who rely heavily on RGH, are increasingly being referred to Cuttack or Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment.
State-Of-The-Art Facility In Name Only!
Despite being declared the state's second smart city, Rourkela continues to suffer from a lack of quality healthcare. RGH caters to over 1,200 patients in the outpatient department and more than 100 inpatients every day. Yet, more than half of these are referred elsewhere due to inadequate treatment options.
“The authorities are not giving RGH the attention it deserves,” said senior journalist Arabinda Das. “There aren’t enough doctors, and nearly 25–30% of the existing staff is away on deputation.”
Political Voices Demand Urgent Action
BJD MLA Sarada Prasad Nayak said, “Three doctors have been taken from Rourkela, but not a single one has been posted here. It’s unacceptable to withdraw two paediatricians from a facility with the highest number of deliveries.”
BJP MLA Durga Charan Tanti added, “I urge the departmental minister to intervene. More doctors must be appointed and transfer orders put on hold.”
Dr Pandit Sahoo, Deputy Director of RGH, stated, “Our new Director and Superintendent will be writing to the government. We are hopeful that the issue will be resolved soon.”
