The health system in Cuttack’s rural areas is in shambles. The hospitals across the district are suffering from a severe shortage of doctors.
The situation has deteriorated to the point where pharmacists are now functioning as doctors.
There are numerous examples. A pharmacist manages the Tentola New primary health center (PHC) in Salepur block. In the lack of doctors, a pharmacist runs the Handibhanga-Kerilo New PHC in Nischintkoili block.
The situation at Kasarda PHC in Niali is similar, with no doctor on duty for the past eight months.
There is no doctor at the Debabhuin PHC in the Narasinghapur block.
According to sources, the district has 19 community health centers (CHCs) and 54 primary health centers (PHCs) in 14 blocks. In addition to the sub-divisional hospitals in Athagarh and Banki, there are 140 vacancies out of a total of 411 doctors on the roster.
There are only 12 doctors at the Athagarh sub-divisional hospital, even though there are 19 vacancies. SCB Medical College and Hospital has delegated three doctors from the hospital. Apart from that, the hospital has two vacancies for pediatricians and a medicine expert.
Similarly, Banki Sub-Divisional Hospital has only 10 doctors on staff, but vacancy for 14. Only six doctors work at the Salepur CHC, which has a sanctioned capability of 11. There are no specialists in medicine, obstetrics, and gynaecology, surgery, or orthopaedics at the center.
In Salepur CHC, there are just six doctors, despite a sanctioned strength of 11. There are vacancies in the fields of medicine, obstetrics & gynecology, surgery, and orthopedics.
While specialist jobs in Obstetrics and Gynaecology have been empty in Adaspur CHC under Kantapada block for the past four years, just 19 doctors have been assigned to nine CHCs and PHCs in Mahanga, with a total strength of 35. Only 12 doctors have been allocated to CHCs and PHCs in Narasinghapur.
In the absence of doctors at government healthcare facilities, people residing in villages have no option but to visit SCB Medical College and Hospital or the numerous private nursing homes which have mushroomed in the last few years. CDMO Satyabrat Chhotray said he has apprised the matter to the government.
Healthcare in distress 140 doctor posts lying vacant against sanctioned strength of 411 Four PHCs in the district is being managed by pharmacists 12 doctors posted at Athagarh SDH against the strength of 19 6 doctors posted at Salepur CHC against sanctioned strength of 11.
