TV
If the revelation made by Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling in the Odisha Assembly is anything to go by, the state is grappling with a shortage of healthcare professionals.
While replying to a question from BJD MLA Prashant Behera, Health Minister Mahaling informed the House that 5,014 doctor positions, including 1,114 posts meant for specialists, are lying vacant.
His revelations also painted a grim picture of the situation prevailing in the rural areas.
According to him, the situation is particularly severe in rural localities with 375 community health centres in 30 districts operating without any doctors.
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Ganjam district is facing the most severe shortfall, with 450 vacancies, followed closely by 309 vacancies in Mayurbhanj. These two districts are not only facing a general shortage but also have the highest number of vacant specialist posts, with each grappling with 87 specialist vacant posts.
There are similar shortages in Khordha with 12 and in Cuttack with 281 unfilled positions.
In addition to the healthcare sector, the Assembly discussed vacancies within law enforcement and emergency services. Replying to a question of Congress MLA Pabitra Saunta on a pressing issue like vacant posts in the police department, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi acknowledged that 13,373 positions in the police department are lying vacant. He also informed the House that 481 posts are lying vacant in the Fire department. While 2416 home guard posts are lying vacant in the state, 862 positions in jails are lying unfulfilled, informed the Chief Minister.
