Odisha hospitals lack doctors, infrastructure: BJP

Bhubaneswar: BJP on Friday slammed Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government for its failure in improving healthcare delivery system in Odisha.

At a press conference in Bhubanewar, BJP spokesperson Sajjan Sharma alleged that electricity still eludes nearly 112 health centers while 1,239 out of 5,298 sub-health institutions do not have their own buildings in Odisha.

‘Swasthya Sahayak’ posts in nearly 25 percent hospitals are vacant and 1,016 out of 4,682 doctors’ posts are also lying vacant.

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“The healthcare system has virtually collapsed in Odisha. Despite Japanese Encephalitis wreaking havoc in Malkangiri, 58 doctor posts out of sanctioned 109 are vacant,” said Sharma

Sharma further alleged that there are no specialized doctors in 87 percent of community health centres while 57 percent primary health care institutions lack regular doctors in State.

Reacting to Sharma, Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Pratap Jena targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government instead, saying, “BJP-led Union Government at the Centre has failed on all fronts including employment and improving the economy. The country has been pushed backwards under the BJP regime at the Centre.”