The healthcare service in north Odisha is adversely affected as several doctors of various departments are missing from their place of postings for years.
In Baleswar as many as nine physicians are not in their place of posting for more than three years. Most interestingly, the district authorities said they had no idea about their whereabouts.
Chief District Medical Officer Bibekananda Das said, “Although in record nine doctors are posted in our district, yet I couldn’t find them except one in record. One doctor posted in Khaira health centre is on leave for more than three years after joining.”
“In fact, I am not aware where the rest are,” he said.
About a week ago, the State Government had published a notice containing a list of 108 doctors across Odisha, including 17 from Baleswar, Bhadrak and Mayurbhanj, who are absent on various reasons.
The notice also said that they should submit representation along with supporting documents within one month, else face disciplinary action.
Sources said some who are missing in Government record are seen in private hospitals and nursing homes of the district.
On account of non availability of doctors, mainly in the key departments, the patients are facing untold woes after being exploited in private facilities. The CDMO said that the district is in shortfall of as many as about 100 doctors.
Not only the headquarters town, also the peripheral hospitals face non availability of doctors. The headquarters hospital which is upgraded to cater to the need of medical college still doesn’t have a psychiatrist.
“The ENT and Radiology departments, which were not having doctors, are now filled. One Urologist visits from Baripada three days a week.
However, there is around 100 posts of doctors yet to be filled,” CDMO aDas said.