Rojalin Mishra

Mayurbhanj/ Keonjhar: Poor healthcare services in hospitals of Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts have now raised serious concern among the local residents of the districts.

Shortage of staff and equipments has paralysed the healthcare system at Karanjia Sub-Divisional Hospital in Mayurbhanj. The hospital was inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at a cost of Rs 10.50 crore in February last year.

"There are no beds available for the patients. Pregnant women and newborns are forced to sleep on the verandah," alleged Dushmant Munda, relative of a patient.

On the other hand, the Sub Divisional Medical Officer (SDMO) refused to comment on the matter citing requirement of permission from higher authorities.

"I need permission from my higher authority to give detail information about this," said Karanjia SDMO, Khetrabasi Rout.

The condition is no different at Thakurmunda  Community Health Centre under Karanjia block in the district.

Likewise, acute shortage of doctors in hospitals of Keonjhar district has thrown healthcare services out of gear. Local residents allege that the Sub-Divisional  Hospital at Tendara village is always locked as there are no doctors to serve  patients. Moreover, the hospital is run by ANM staffs who visit the hospital as per their convenience.

"We are having a harrowing time due to lack of doctors in the hospital. No one is listening to us. We are suffering very badly," alleged a local resident, Basanti Modi.

"Since 2013, I am treating the patients all alone. Due to elephant menace in the area not a single doctor is interested to stay in the hospital," said pharmacist of Jadipada Healthcare Centre, Krushna Chandra Sahu.

Another local resident, Bairab Mohanty, said, "Pharmacist is prescribing us the medicine. If we do not recuperate after consuming his medicine we prefer to go to Keonjhar or Padampur for treatment,"

When asked about the matter, the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) refused to comment citing elections.

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