Doctor absenteeism mars healthcare services at Balasore medical college

Balasore: Despite adequate infrastructure facilities, advanced equipments and appointment of 106 doctors in the recently-recognised Balasore Medical College and Hospital, patients visiting the hospital are unable to get proper healthcare services due to alleged absenteeism of doctors.

Patients have alleged that though the names of the professors along with their respective departments are displayed at the hospital, most of them have never visited the hospital.

Besides, it has been alleged that, afraid of taking risks, the doctors in the hospital are frequently referring serious patients to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

"The professors are nowhere to be seen and doctors are referring the patients to SCB hospital. We will not visit the hospital anymore but directly go to Cuttack as we are facing issues despite all facilities. We consider doctors dependable and if they will create problems, patients will be annoyed," said relative of a patient, Abhimanyu Das.

"Patients are visiting SCB hospital even after establishment of the medical college here. The doctors are referring serious cases to Cuttack. Presence of a professor could be of some help," said a local resident, Pramila Das.

In response to the allegations, Balasore hospital Superintendent, Sudhir Kumar Ghosh said the State government has been apprised about the issue.

"There are only six professors in 13 departments. There is shortage of senior doctors in Paediatric, Ophthalmology and Dermatology departments, which is proving to be a major hindrance. We have apprised the district collector and the State government and they should take a final call," said Ghosh.