Dearth of doctors hits rural health care in Odisha

Of the rest 91 doctors, 81 are regular while eight are working on contractual basis and two on ad-hoc. While four doctors are on leave, seven are working at SCB MCH, Cuttack on deputation.
For representational purposes
For representational purposes

JAGATSINGHPUR: Rural health care in the district is almost in a state of paralysis, thanks to an acute shortage of doctors, particularly at the primary health centres (PHC) level.

Of 37 PHCs in the district, 12 centres are running without a doctor for the last several months. As per reports, the coastal district has a sanctioned strength of 157 doctors and of which, 66 posts are lying vacant. 

Of the rest 91 doctors, 81 are regular while eight are working on contractual basis and two on ad-hoc. While four doctors are on leave, seven are working at SCB MCH, Cuttack on deputation.

As a result, AYUSH doctors and pharmacists are managing these centres and addressing the health care needs of the people. 

Locals alleged that while there is no doctor in Jaipur PHC, AYUSH doctor Sima Das, who is also in-charge of medical officer, has been absent for the last three days.

Acting on complaints of locals, Collector Sangram Keshari Mohapatra on Thursday made a surprise visit to the PHC and found her absent. Sources said the doctor was absent due to a training programme.

The district has nine community health centres (CHCs) which are also facing similar plight. While specialist posts are lying vacant in all the centres, Manijanga CHC runs without a doctor.

Out of five doctor posts in the CHC, four are lying vacant and the medical officer is on leave. Similarly, three posts each in Kujang and Raghunathpur, and two in Erasama CHC are lying vacant.

The district headquarters hospital (DHH) is also facing similar fate. Of total 58 sanctioned doctors, 26 posts have been lying vacant since long. Lack of infrastructure has also affected the health services in the hospital.

The ultrasound machine, which was installed nine years back, has been lying in a state of disuse immediately after its installation as there is no radiologist.  

Patients across the district are now depending on SCB MCH at Cuttack.

Chief District Medical Officer Ajay Kumar Baitharu said as there was no doctor in Manijanga CHC, the medical officer of Katra PHC was given additional charge of the centre to provide health services.

Despite several requests to the State Health department, no step has been taken to fill up the vacancies, he added.

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