Villagers rue absence of doctor at Khambesi PHC

Rayagada: Not a single doctor has visited the Khambesi Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Kurli under Rayagada district for the past three months forcing the villagers of this panchayat to travel several kilometres to hospitals in Bissamcuttack or Chatikona for minor and major ailments.  The hospital’s pharmacist treats patients in absence of doctors, rued the villagers.

“It is already 10 o’clock, but no one has turned up yet. We have been waiting here for long hours for the hospital to open,” said a patient’s relative.

Pharmacist of the hospital Laxman Bag said that the doctor who used to examine patients at the hospital got transferred to a Community Healthcare Centre. "In his absence I am forced to see the patients,” stated Bag adding that the hospital opens at 10 am.

Bikash Chandra Panda, earlier working as a doctor at the Khambesi hospital, also confirmed that pharmacist at the hospital was taking care of patients and prescribing medicines.

“No appointment of doctor has been made yet for the Khambesi PHC. I was posted there earlier but currently I am on deputation and working at the Bissamcuttack hospital,” Panda informed.

Rayagada CDMO Chandrika Prasad Das assured of action against persons concerned  for the delay in opening of the Khambesi PHC if allegations are found to be true.

“Pharmacists usually manage affairs at hospitals if the only doctor goes on leave or gets transferred elsewhere. That could be the case at the  Khambesi hospital. But in case there is delay in opening the hospital, I will take action,” said Das.