SAMBALPUR: Acute absenteeism and private practice by doctors has reflected on the health services delivery in VSS Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla, a standing committee of the Assembly admitted on Wednesday
The committee, led by Surya Narayan Patro, visited the medical college in wake of the five maternal deaths which were reported in April alone. Patro was candid in his admission that several doctors do not turn up for duty though they draw their salaries for the same.
The former minister said many doctors of VIMSAR were focusing on private practice while those genuinely interested in work are constrained by shortage of para-medical staff and medical equipment.
Patro said the Superintendent of VIMSAR Dr LK Dash has been directed to take appropriate steps to resolve the problems. The Committee will apprise the State Government following which necessary measures will be taken.
The committee comprised legislators Raseswari Panigrahi, Tukuni Sahu, Bhujabal Majhi and Radharani Panda. The committee also took stock of vacancy position, status of equipment both working and defunct, infrastructure and other requirements of the hospital.
Responding to a query on maternal deaths which has raised questions on the sincerity of the State Government on maternal mortality, Patro said the matter is being probed into by an expert team from Bhubaneswar that arrived at Burla on Wednesday.
Later, the team reviewed the health and medical facilities in Sambalpur district. The team also reviewed the jaundice situation in Sambalpur City and steps taken to prevent recurrence.
Patro expressed satisfaction at zero deaths after March. He, however, said there was a need to accelerate water and sewage related projects which are underway in the city.
He directed the officials to submit a report on requirement of each department to help them take up the issue with the State Government.