Residents of Olavar rue shortage of doctors in hospital

Kendrapara: A sense of resentment is brewing among the residents of Olavar in Kendrapara district over the shortage of doctors in the 20-bed Dr Radhanath Rath Hospital in the area.

In the absence of a doctor, patients visiting the hospital are dependent on a Pharmacist working here, for treatment.

The locals alleged that despite repeated appeals before the Kendrapara district administration, no concrete measures have been taken yet.

"The hospital neither has necessary equipment nor required staff. Even an accident victim cannot get a stitch done here," alleged Prakash Jagat, a local.

Pharmacist Amar Kumar Pal said, “I am attending around 100-150 patients every day. I prescribe medicines to patients as the doctor working here has gone on a deputation to Rajkanika hospital."

Irate over the lackadaisical attitude of the administration, the Olavar Athletics Association meanwhile has staged a dharna demanding immediate filling up of vacant posts of doctor and other medical staff.

"For the past 20 years, this hospital does not have permanent doctors and required staff despite the fact that around 1.5 lakh people of 10 panchayats are dependent on it. Demanding permanent doctors, we are staging dharna," said Bishikesana Das, president of the association.

Meanwhile, sources claimed that the Medical Officer of the Rajkanika Community Health Centre Manoj Senapati has assured the agitators of resolving the issues as early as possible.