Ganjam: Despite tall promises by the government to improve the quality of healthcare in State, absence of adequate number of doctors and staff has thrown the much-needed healthcare services out of gear in Dharakote Community Health Centre in Ganjam district.
According to sources, the CHC which caters to the healthcare needs of around 1.30 lakh people of as many as 17 panchayats of the district has only one doctor in place for four sanctioned posts. This apart the 16-bedded healthcare centre also lacks enough nursing and other allied staff.
Despite having all necessary minimum infrastructural facilities the staff crunch in the healthcare unit has created various problems for the local people.
Locals have alleged that despite complaining about the matter to the authorities, the condition still remains the same. They have also complained that patients and their attendants have to wait for hours just to consult the doctor even for minor health issues like common cold and fever.
“At times of emergency especially during labour, treatment at the CHC becomes really difficult because of lack of doctors so mostly, local people dependent on the healthcare unit are forced to transfer their patients to other places like MKCG and Aska hospital. If the government can resolve the issue of staff crisis, people would be greatly benefited,” said Bijay Das, a Talapatna resident.
The hospital authorities could not be contacted for comments.