Khordha DHH faces severe staff shortage, 'inoperative' ICU add to woes

The Khordha District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) is reportedly facing a severe crisis within a couple of years after its inauguration on October 4, 2023.

As per reports, the ICU remains non-functional and the hospital’s oxygen plant is not operational, leaving critical patients at risk. Out of 96 sanctioned doctor positions, only 44 doctors are currently available, while a significant shortage of nursing officers further compounds the problem.

When inaugurated, the hospital’s 10-bed ICU was expected to handle critical cases efficiently. However, lack of supporting infrastructure and staff has rendered it largely ineffective.

The hospital caters to thousands of residents from four assembly constituencies, including Khordha, Chilika, Begunia-Bolagarh, Jatani, and Banki, making it a lifeline for the local population.

However, due to staff shortages and malfunctioning equipment, patient services have been severely affected, causing distress among residents who rely on the facility for medical care.

Sharing his ordeal, a relative of the patient said, “He had gone to the fields for some work when he suddenly developed a severe headache. When we brought him to the hospital, the doctors administered saline and oxygen but immediately referred him to Capital Hospital. With no other options available, we are now heading to Bhubaneswar for proper treatment.”

This has also forced patients to rely heavily on referrals to other hospitals, creating immense inconvenience and risk for those seeking urgent treatment.

Despite repeated promises from the concerned authorities to review the functioning and bring necessary improvements, the situation remains unchanged.

Shyama Prasana Mitra, the ADMO of Khordha District Headquarters Hospital, addressed the concerns, acknowledging the shortage of hospital staff and assuring that measures are being taken to resolve the issues promptly.

Besides, Odisha’s Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling has also assured that several doctors and paramedical staff will be appointed in the hospital at the earliest. “Our government is committed to resolving this issue. Previously, we had appointed 4,700 doctors and paramedical staff for the hospital. Currently, we have issued advertisements for 5,600 new positions and will soon complete the recruitment process to strengthen the hospital with the required medical personnel, ” he said.