Pharmacist treats patients as no doctors available

Khurda: Lack of staff, especially a doctor, has affected functioning of the community healthcare centre of Bhingarpur under Balianta block in Khurda District. Though the centre has all the basic facilities, the post of the doctor remains vacant. So, the patients visiting the healthcare centre are treated by a pharmacist.

“Six beds are available for the patients in the centre. In the absense of the doctor I am taking care of the patients as nearly six Gram Panchayat residents are dependent on the centre," Pharmacist, Bhingarpur healthcare centre, Sarat Chandra Pradhan said.

As per reports, the hospital, established with all basic facilities is yet to get a doctor. Therefore, the pharmacist is handling the works of the hospital and treating the patients.

Due to non-availability of a regular doctor the locals prefer visiting Capital hospital in Bhubaneswar and have to face problems in travelling the distance, alleged the locals.

“All the basic facilities for doctors are available in the centre still doctors are hesitating to stay here. People are dependent on the pharmacist for treatment,” Bhingarpur resident, Nilakantha Pradhan alleged.

Meanwhile, accepting vacancy in the post of doctor, Medical Officer, Pradeep Kumar Sahoo  assured that the problem will be resolved soon.